A New Craniothoracic Mattress for Immobilization of the Cervical Spine in Critical Care Patients

摘要

Current immobilization techniques of the cervical spine are associated with complications including pressure ulcers, discomfort, and elevated intracranial pressures with limited access to the thorax and airway. In this study, a newly developed craniothoracic immobilizer (Pharaoh mattress) 'i for critical care patients with cervical injury was tested for its: restriction of cervical movement, peak interface pressures, comfort, and radiolucency, and compared with headblocks strapped to a spineboard. Cervical movement was measured by roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis in 5 fresh frozen cadavers. Peak interface and discomfort pressures were measured in 10 healthy volunteers. Radiographic absorption was calculated by measuring the total emission radiation with and without immobilizer. The Pharaoh mattress caused a mean restriction of 59% {SD-. 15) flexion-extension, 77% (SD-. 14) lateral bending, and 93% (SD-. 3) rotation, compared with the unrestricted situation.