Effects of prehospital spinal immobilization: a systematic review of randomized trials on healthy subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of spinal immobilization on healthy participants.


METHODS
A systematic review of randomized, controlled trials of spinal immobilization on healthy participants.


RESULTS
Seventeen randomized, controlled trials compared different types of immobilization devices, including collars, backboards, splints, and body strapping. For immobilization efficacy, collars, spine boards, vacuum splints, and abdominal/torso strapping provided a significant reduction in spinal movement. Adverse effects of spinal immobilization included a significant increase in respiratory effort, skin ischemia, pain, and discomfort.


CONCLUSIONS
Data from this review provide the best available evidence to support the well-recognized efficacy and potential adverse effects of spinal immobilization. However, comparisons of different immobilization strategies on trauma victims must be considered in order to establish an evidence base for this practice.
Kwan
Irene
I
National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, London, England, UK. ikwan@rcog.org.uk
Bunn
Frances
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D013131:Spine; D016896:Treatment Outcome