Immobilisation of the cervical spine is a common procedure following traumatic injury. This is often precautionaryudas the actual incidence of spinal injury is low. Nonetheless, stabilisation of the head and neck is an important part of pre-hospital care due to the catastrophic damage that may follow if further unrestricted movement occurs in the presence of an unstable spinal injury. Currently available collars are limited by the potential for inadequate immobilisation and complications caused by pressure on the patient’s skin, restricted airway access andudcompression of the jugular vein. Alternative approaches to cervical spine immobilisation are being considered, andudthe investigation of these new methods requires a standardised approach to the evaluation of neck movement.udThis review summarises the research methods and scientific technology that have been used to assess and measure cervical range of motion, and which are likely to underpin future research in this field. A systematic searchudof international literature was conducted to evaluate the methodologies used to assess the extremes of movementudthat can be achieved in six domains. 34 papers were included in the review. These studies used a range ofudmethodologies, but study quality was generally low. Laboratory investigations and biomechanical studies haveudgradually given way to methods that more accurately reflect the real-life situations in which cervical spineudimmobilisation occurs. Latterly, new approaches using virtual reality and simulation have been developed. Coupledudwith modern electromagnetic tracking technology this has considerable potential for effective application in futureudresearch. However, use of these technologies in real life settings can be problematic and more research is needed.
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