title: A methodology to evaluate motion of the unstable spine during intubation techniques.
abstract: Airway management in patients with an unstable cervical spine remains a challenge. A video fluoroscopic technique that transfers the image to a floppy disk for direct measurement is described. This technique enabled standardized, direct measurement of the cervical spine during airway maneuvers before and after a C5-6 posterior instability was surgically created in five cadaveric specimens. Unsupported direct oral techniques often can cause more motion than do indirect nasal techniques, and chin lift/jaw thrust and cricoid pressure can cause as much motion as do some of the intubation techniques.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Towers
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Doctor
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brand
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Donaldson
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D014741:Video Recording