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Effective pain management for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, using pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, is essential. This pilot study evaluated music as an adjuvant therapy with prescribed analgesics to reduce acute pain and analgesic use among patients undergoing arthroplasty surgery. Prospective randomized controlled trial of 50 participants scheduled for arthroplasty surgery at a large university-affiliated hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment (music and analgesic medication; n = 25) or control (analgesic medication only; n = 25) groups. The intervention consisted of listening to self-selected music for 30 minutes, three times per day postoperatively in hospital and for 2 days postdischarge at home. Participants rated pain intensity and distress before and after music listening (treatment group) or meals (control group). Analgesic medication use was assessed via medical records in hospital and self-report logs postdischarge. Forty-seven participants completed the study. Participants who listened to music after surgery reported significantly lower pain intensity and distress in hospital and postdischarge at home. There were no statistically significant differences in analgesic medication use after surgery between groups. Study findings provide further evidence for the effectiveness of music listening, combined with analgesics, for reducing postsurgical pain, and extend the literature by examining music listening postdischarge. Music listening is an effective adjuvant pain management strategy. It is easy to administer, accessible, and affordable. Patient education is needed to encourage patients to continue to use music to reduce pain at home during the postoperative recovery period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Prehospital personnel who lack advanced airway management training must rely on basic techniques when transporting unconscious trauma patients. The supine position is associated with a loss of airway patency when compared to lateral recumbent positions. Thus, an inherent conflict exists between securing an open airway using the recovery position and maintaining spinal immobilization in the supine position. The lateral trauma position is a novel technique that aims to combine airway management with spinal precautions. The objective of this study was to compare the spinal motion allowed by the novel lateral trauma position and the well-established log-roll maneuver.Methods: Using a full-body cadaver model with an induced globally unstable cervical spine (C5-C6) lesion, we investigated the mean range of motion (ROM) produced at the site of the injury in six dimensions by performing the two maneuvers using an electromagnetic tracking device.Results: Compared to the log-roll maneuver, the lateral trauma position caused similar mean ROM in five of the six dimensions. Only medial/lateral linear motion was significantly greater in the lateral trauma position (1.4mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4, 2.4mm)).Conclusions: In this cadaver study, the novel lateral trauma position and the well-established log-roll maneuver resulted in comparable amounts of motion in an unstable cervical spine injury model. We suggest that the lateral trauma position may be considered for unconscious non-intubated trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been proposed that cricoid pressure can exacerbate an unstable cervical injury and lead to neurologic deterioration.Objective: We sought to examine the amount of motion cricoid pressure could cause at an unstable subaxial cervical spine injury, and whether posterior manual support is of any benefit.Methods: Five fresh, whole cadavers had complete segmental instability at C5-C6 surgically created by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Cricoid pressure was applied to the anterior cricoid by an attending anesthesiologist. In addition, the effect of posterior cervical support was tested during the trials. The amount of angular and linear motion between C5 and C6 was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT).Results: When cricoid pressure is applied, the largest angular motion was 3 degrees and occurred in flexion-extension at C5-C6. The largest linear displacement was 1.36 mm and was in anterior-posterior displacement of C5-C6. When manual posterior cervical support was applied, the flexion-extension was improved to less than half this value (1.43 degrees), and this reached statistical significance (p = 0.001). No other differences were observed to be significant in the other planes of motion with the applications of support.Conclusions: Based on the evidence presented, we believe that the application of cricoid pressure to a patient with a globally unstable subaxial cervical spine injury causes small displacements. There may be some benefit to the use of manual posterior cervical spine support for reducing motion at such an injured segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pelvic circumferential compression devices are commonly used in the acute treatment of pelvic fractures for reduction of pelvic volume and initial stabilisation of the pelvic ring. There have been reports of catastrophic soft-tissue breakdown with their use. The aim of the current investigation was to determine whether various pelvic circumferential compression devices exert different amounts of pressure on the skin when applied with the force necessary to reduce the injury. The study hypothesis was that the device with the greatest surface area would have the lowest pressures on the soft-tissue.Methods: Rotationally unstable pelvic injuries (OTA type 61-B) were surgically created in five fresh, whole human cadavers. The amount of displacement at the pubic symphysis was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT). The T-POD, Pelvic Binder, Sam Sling, and circumferential sheet were applied in random order for testing. The devices were applied with enough force to obtain a reduction of less than 10mm of diastasis at the pubic symphysis. Pressure measurements, force required, and contact surface area were recorded with a Tekscan pressure mapping system.Results: The mean skin pressures observed ranged from 23 to 31kPa (173 to 233mm of Hg). The highest pressures were observed with the Sam Sling, but no statistically significant skin pressure differences were observed with any of the four devices (p>0.05). The Sam Sling also had the least mean contact area (590cm(2)). In greater than 70% of the trials, including all four devices tested, skin pressures exceeded what has been shown to be pressure high enough to cause skin breakdown (9.3kPa or 70mm of Hg).Conclusions: Application of commercially available pelvic binders as well as circumferential sheeting commonly results in mean skin pressures that are considered to be above the threshold for skin breakdown. We therefore recommend that these devices only be used acutely, and definitive fixation or external fixation should be performed early as patient physiology allows. There may be some advantage of use of a simple sheet given its low cost, versatility, and ability to alter contact surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Bedrest is often used for temporary management, as well as definitive treatment, for many spinal injuries. Under such circumstances patients cannot remain flat for extended periods due to possible skin breakdown, blood clots, or pulmonary complications. Kinetic therapy beds are often used in the critical care setting, although this is felt to be unsafe for turning patients with spine fractures. We sought to evaluate whether a kinetic therapy bed would cause as much spinal motion at an unstable cervical injury as occurs during manual log-rolling on a standard intensive care unit bed. Methods Unstable C5–C6 ligamentous injuries were surgically created in 15 fresh, whole cadavers. Sensors were affixed to C5 and C6 posteriorly and electromagnetic motion tracking analysis performed. In all cases a cervical collar was applied by an orthotist after creation of the injury. The amount of angular motion and linear displacement that occurred at this injured level was measured during manual log-rolling and patient turning using a kinetic therapy bed. For statistical analysis, the range of motion for angles about each axis and displacement in each direction was analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results When comparing manual log-rolling and kinetic bed therapy, significantly more angular motion was created by the log-roll manoeuvre in flexion–extension ( p = 0.03) and lateral bending ( p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in axial rotation between the two methods ( p = 0.80). There were no significant differences demonstrated in medial–lateral and anterior–posterior translation. There was almost two times the axial displacement between manual log-rolling and the kinetic therapy bed and this reached statistical significance ( p = 0.05). Conclusion There is less motion at an unstable cervical injury in flexion–extension, lateral bending, and axial displacement when turning a patient using a kinetic therapy bed as opposed to traditional manual log-rolling. It may be preferable to use a kinetic therapy bed rather than manual log-rolling for patients with cervical spine injuries to decrease unwanted spinal motion. In addition, it may be easier and less physically demanding on nursing staff that must regularly turn the patient if manual log-rolling is implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background context: Although it is essential to maintain a secure airway in a trauma patient, it is also critical to protect the potentially injured cervical spine. It has previously been suggested that the jaw thrust maneuver be used in place of the head tilt–chin lift in the suspected spine-injured patient. Purpose: We sought to examine whether the jaw thrust was in fact safer to use in the setting of an unstable upper cervical spine injury. Methods: Unstable, dissociative C1–C2 injuries were surgically created in nine fresh, lightly embalmed human cadaver specimens. An electromagnetic motion analysis device was used to assess the amount of angular and linear motion with sensors placed above and below the injured segment. Measurements were recorded during execution of the two airway maneuvers. Trials were performed both with and without a cervical immobilization collar in place. Results: There was almost twice as much angular motion in all planes when performing a head tilt–chin lift as compared with the jaw thrust, and this was statistically significant (p<.013). In addition, there was more displacement at the injured level with a head tilt–chin lift as compared with the jaw thrust. This was statistically significant for axial displacement and anteroposterior translation (p=.003 for both), and approached significance for mediolateral translation (p=.056). Conclusions: The jaw thrust maneuver results in less motion at an unstable C1–C2 injury as compared with the head tilt–chin lift maneuver. We therefore recommend the use of the jaw thrust to improve airway patency in the trauma patient with suspected cervical spine injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is commonly performed for arthritic conditions of the shoulder. The outcome after TSA is generally good, but there are several modes of failure, with one of the more common reasons being glenoid loosening. One possible cause for glenoid loosening is inadequate cementation technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of lucent lines on the first postoperative radiograph using 2 different cementation techniques. Materials and methods: One hundred consecutive patients had a pegged glenoid placed with 1 of 2 different cementation techniques. In 26 consecutive patients, the pegged glenoid component was cemented with a traditional minimal manual pressurization technique, whereas 74 underwent a contemporary 3-step pressurization cementation technique before implant insertion. The first postoperative radiograph was evaluated using the system of Lazarus et al, looking at the frequency of lucent lines. The radiographs were deidentified and were randomized and evaluated by 2 independent observers on 3 separate occasions. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences between grades of radiolucent lines for pressurized versus unpressurized cementation techniques. There were significantly (P < .05) fewer lucent lines identified in the group that underwent contemporary 3-step pressurization as opposed to the group that underwent minimal manual pressurization. Intraobserver reliability and interobserver reliability with Cronbach α coefficients were good. Conclusion: The 3-step pressurized cementation technique resulted in a low incidence of radiolucent lines around the glenoid implant in patients undergoing TSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemiarthroplasty was the treatment of choice for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) before the introduction of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The purpose of this study was to compare our outcomes for hemiarthroplasty with those for RTSA. Methods: The records of patients with the diagnosis of CTA who had received either a hemiarthroplasty or RTSA from 1997 to 2007 were reviewed. A minimum of 2 years’ follow-up was required. Active shoulder elevation, external rotation, internal rotation, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed comparing function, pain, and range of motion of hemiarthroplasty patients with RTSA patients. Results: We identified 56 shoulder arthroplasties in 50 patients with a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up. There were 20 hemiarthroplasties and 36 RTSAs performed. The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (range, 2-12 years) in the hemiarthroplasty group and 3 years (range, 2-5 years) in the RTSA group. The mean age in the hemiarthroplasty group was 64 years versus 72 years in the RTSA group (P < .05). SPADI scores improved in both groups. However, after follow-up of 2 years or greater, the mean SPADI scores were significantly better (lower) in the RTSA group (34) than in the hemiarthroplasty group (58) (P = .005). Active elevation was significantly better in the RTSA group at all postoperative time periods. The complication rate for both groups was 25%. Conclusions: RTSA performs better than hemiarthroplasty in terms of pain relief, function, and active elevation at 2-year follow-up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Cervical orthoses are commonly used for extrication, transportation, and definitive immobilization for cervical trauma patients. Various designs have been tested frequently in young, healthy individuals. To date, no one has reported the effectiveness of collar immobilization in the presence of an unstable mid-cervical spine. Study Objectives: To determine the extent to which cervical orthoses immobilize the cervical spine in a cadaveric model with and without a spinal instability. Methods: This study used a repeated-measures design to quantify motion on multiple axes. Five lightly embalmed cadavers with no history of cervical pathology were used. An electromagnetic motion-tracking system captured segmental motion at C5–C6 while the spine was maneuvered through the range of motion in each plane. Testing was carried out in intact conditions after a global instability was created at C5–C6. Three collar conditions were tested: a one-piece extraction collar (Ambu Inc., Linthicum, MD), a two-piece collar (Aspen Sierra, Aspen Medical Products, Irvine, CA), and no collar. Gardner-Wells tongs were affixed to the skull and used to apply motion in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the conditions: collar use by instability (3 × 2). Results: Neither the one- nor the two-piece collar was effective at significantly reducing segmental motion in the stable or unstable condition. There was dramatically more motion in the unstable state, as would be expected. Conclusion: Although using a cervical collar is better than no immobilization, collars do not effectively reduce motion in an unstable cervical spine cadaver model. Further study is needed to develop other immobilization techniques that will adequately immobilize an injured, unstable cervical spine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: In the prehospital setting, spine-injured patients must be transferred to a spine board to immobilize the spine. This can be accomplished using both manual techniques and mechanical devices. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the scoop stretcher to limit cervical spine motion as compared to 2 commonly used manual transfer techniques. Methods: Three-dimensional angular motion generated across the C5-C6 spinal segment during execution of 2 manual transfer techniques and the application of a scoop stretcher was recorded first on cadavers with intact spines and then repeated after C5-C6 destabilization. A 3-dimensional electromagnetic tracking device was used to measure the maximum angular and linear motion produced during all test sessions. Results: Although not statistically significant, the execution of the log roll maneuver created more motion in all directions than either the lift-and-slide technique or with scoop stretcher application. The scoop stretcher and lift-and-slide techniques were able to restrict motion to a comparable degree. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the scoop stretcher to limit spinal motion in the destabilized spine is comparable or better than manual techniques currently being used by primary responders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To establish reliability of the KT-2000 knee ligament arthrometer (MEDmetric Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA) in measuring glenohumeral (GH) joint laxity. Design and Setting: Subjects reported on two occasions to the Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Research Laboratory for measurement of GH translation. A two-way mixed effect model was employed to establish reliability of the KT-2000. Participants: Forty-six subjects (19 male, 27 female, age=22.4±3.5yr) with no previous history of dominant shoulder pathology. Main outcome measures: Participants were instructed to relax while an anteriorly directed pulling force of increasing magnitude (67, 89, and 134N) was applied to the GH joint using the KT-2000 knee ligament arthrometer. Translation measurements were recorded for three trials at each of three load levels. This procedure was followed for each subject on 2 separate days. Results: Sagittal plane translation measurements varied from 7 to 18mm at 67N, 11 to 25mm at 89N, and 14 to 36mm at 134N. The intraclass correlation coefficients involving the translation measurements were 0.89, 0.88, and 0.91, respectively. Conclusions: These results indicate the KT-2000 used as described is a reliable method for measuring GH joint laxity. Although our findings are promising, we stress the importance of additional validation of this technique for measuring GH joint laxity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background context: Pedicle screws have been shown to be superior to hooks in the lumbar spine, but few studies have addressed their use in the thoracic spine. Purpose: The objective of this study was to biomechanically evaluate the pullout strength of pedicle screws in the thoracic spine and compare them to laminar hooks. Study desing/setting: Twelve vertebrae (T1–T12) were harvested from each of five embalmed human cadavers (n=60). The age of the donors averaged 83+8.5 years. After bone mineral density had been measured in the vertebrae (mean=0.47 g/cm3), spines were disarticulated. Some pedicles were damaged during disarticulation or preparation for testing, so that 100 out of a possible 120 pullout tests were performed. Methods: Each vertebra was secured using a custom-made jig, and a posteriorly directed force was applied to either the screw or the claw. Constructs were ramped to failure at 3 mm/min using a Mini Bionix II materials testing machine (MTS, Eden Prairie, MN). Results: Pedicle claws had an average pullout strength of 577 N, whereas the pullout strength of pedicle screws averaged 309 N. Hooks installed using the claw method in the thoracic spine had an overwhelming advantage in pullout strength versus pedicle screws. Even in extremely osteoporotic bone, the claw withstood 88% greater pullout load. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that hooks should be considered when supplemental instrumentation is required in thoracic vertebrae, especially in osteoporotic bone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background context: In the prehospital stages of emergency care, cervical collars are (supposedly) used to aid rescuers in maintaining in-line stabilization of the spinal column as patients with potential or actual injuries are shifted onto a spine board to achieve full spinal immobilization. Unfortunately, not a single study has examined the effectiveness of cervical collars to control motion during the execution of spine-board transfer techniques. Purpose: To evaluate the controlling effect of three cervical collars during the execution of spine-board transfer techniques. Study design: This was a repeated measures investigation in which a cadaveric model was used to test the effectiveness of the Ambu (Ambu, Inc., Linthicum, MD), Aspen (Aspen Medical Products, Inc., Long Beach, CA) and Miami J (Jerome Medical, Moorestown, NJ) collars during the execution of the log-roll (LR) maneuver and the lift-and-slide (LS) technique. Methods: Six medical professionals executed the LR and the LS on five cadavers. An electromagnetic tracking device was used to capture angular movements generated at the C5–C6 vertebral segment during the execution of both transfer techniques. The types of motion that were analyzed in this study were flexion-extension, lateral flexion and axial rotation motion. To test the three cervical collars, an experimental lesion (ie, a complete segmental instability) was created at the aforementioned spinal level of the cadavers and sensors from the electromagnetic tracking device were affixed to the specified vertebrae to record the motion generated at the site of the lesion. Results: Statistical tests did not reveal a significant interaction between the independent variables of this study (ie, transfer technique and collar type), lending no support to the notion that there may be a combination of collar and transfer technique that could theoretically offer added protection to the patient. Although there was a decrease in the amount of motion generated in every one of the planes of motion as a result of wearing each of the three collars, none of the changes that emerged proved to be significantly different. A significant difference was noted between the LR and LS techniques when the amount of lateral flexion and axial rotation motion generated with each of the procedures were compared. In both cases, execution of the LR maneuver resulted in significantly more motion. Conclusions: The data presented here suggest that the collars tested in this study are functionally similar. It is recommended that this study be repeated with a larger sample size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This study evaluates the associations between post injury depressive symptomology and opioid use from the initial time of injury in orthopedic trauma patients without pre-existing psychiatric conditions.Design and Setting: This is a prospective study following the development of symptoms after orthopedic trauma injury conducted at a Level-1 trauma center.Patients: Orthopedic trauma patients (N=96; 43.4±16.5 yrs, 40.6% women) MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS METHODS: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was administered during index hospitalization and at 2-weeks, 6-weeks, and 3- months, and 6-months. In-hospital and out-patient opioid use were tracked. Regression analyses determined the relationship of opioid use and depressive symptoms during follow-up.Results: Twenty percent of patients had moderate depressive symptom levels (BDI 20-28 points) and 11% had severe depressive symptom levels (BDI ≥29) at the time of their index hospitalization. Inpatient BDI-II depressive symptom severity levels were significantly related to depressive symptomology at 2 -weeks, 6 -weeks, and 3 -months. In-hospital or discharge opioid dose was not associated with initial or persistent depressive symptomology. Patients with persistent opioid use at 6 weeks had higher depressive symptoms six months following post-discharge than those who ceased opioid use by 6 -weeks post-discharge.Conclusions: This study suggests that depressive symptomology immediately following musculoskeletal trauma is predictive for persistent depressive symptomology in a subset of our patient population. Inpatient BDI-II depressive symptom severity levels in the hospital were significantly related to BDI-II at 2-weeks, 6-weeks, and 3-months, and persistent opioid use, past 6-weeks, was independently associated with prolonged depressive symptomology as well. Further study into effective treatment and monitoring of mental health disturbances following trauma is needed, particularly in patients with continued need for and use of opioids after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Radiographic measurements have less impact, if any, on outcomes of DAA. • The only factors that impacted surgical time were female sex and older age. • The measurements demonstrated high intraclass correlation: greater than 0.90 in all categories. • Except for ASIS-GT vertical distance, which was still high at 0.73. Radiographic predictors of outcomes associated with direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) are largely unknown. Anecdotally, some surgeons limit surgery to patients with low body mass index (BMI) or "favorable" bony morphology. Objective data on the impact of these factors is limited. We sought to determine radiographic and demographic predictors of outcomes after DAA arthroplasty. A consecutive series of patients undergoing unilateral, elective DAA THA, who had linked pre- and post-operative patient reported outcome scores, from January 1, 2017 to March 30, 2019 were included. Radiographic measurements, including proxies for pelvic overhang, femoral canal access, acetabular morphologic changes, and markers of disease severity, were performed on calibrated radiographs. Intra-observer consistency was also evaluated. Outcome measures included disease specific and general health patient-reported outcomes scores, while surgical difficulty was approximated by estimated blood loss and surgical time. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine statistically significant correlations. 168 patients were included. Overall, patients experienced significant improvement in outcome scores (mean ∆ HOOS-JR 39.4, PROMIS-physical 12.3). There were two reoperations (1.2%), for recurrent dislocation. Female sex (p = 0.015) and increasing age (p = = 0.019) were associated with shorter surgical times. No statistically significant correlations were found between the radiographic parameters and outcome measures. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the radiographic measurements were overall strong (0.73–1.0). We demonstrated consistent results in this series of patients despite variation in bony morphology. Our findings suggest that DAA THA can be safely performed on a broader patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pre-existing psychiatric illness, illicit drug use, and alcohol abuse adversely impact patients with orthopaedic trauma injuries. Obesity is an independent factor associated with poorer clinical outcomes and discharge disposition, and higher hospital resource use. It is not known whether interactions exist between pre-existing illness, illicit drug use and obesity on acute trauma care outcomes.Patients and Methods: This cohort study is from orthopaedic trauma patients prospectively measured over 10 years (N = 6353). Psychiatric illness, illicit drug use and alcohol were classified by presence or absence. Body mass index (BMI) was analyzed as both a continuous and categorical measure (<30 kg/m2 [non-obese], 30-39.9 kg/m2 [obese] and ≥40 kg/m2 [morbidly obese]). Main outcomes were the number of acute care services provided, length of stay (LOS), discharge home, hospital readmissions, and mortality in the hospital.Results: Statistically significant BMI by pre-existing condition (psychiatric illness, illicit drug use) interactions existed for LOS and number of acute care services provided (β values 0.012-0.098; all p < 0.05). The interaction between BMI and psychiatric illness was statistically significant for discharge to locations other than home (β = 0.023; p = 0.001).Discussion: Obese patients with orthopaedic trauma, particularly with preexisting mental health conditions, will require more hospital resources and longer care than patients without psychiatric illness. Early identification of these patients through screening for psychiatric illness and history of illicit drug use at admission is imperative to mobilize the resources and provide psychosocial support to facilitate the recovery trajectory of affected obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most emergency transport protocols in the United States currently call for the use of a spine board (SB) to help immobilize the trauma patient. However, there are concerns that their use is associated with a risk of pressure ulcer development. An alternative device, the vacuum mattress splint (VMS) has been shown by previous investigations to be a viable alternative to the SB, but no single study has explicated the tissue-interface pressure in depth.Methods: To determine if the VMS will exert less pressure on areas of the body susceptible to pressure ulcers than a SB we enrolled healthy subjects to lie on the devices in random order while pressure measurements were recorded. Sensors were placed underneath the occiput, scapulae, sacrum, and heels of each subject lying on each device. Three parameters were used to analyze differences between the two devices: 1) mean pressure of all active cells, 2) number of cells exceeding 9.3kPa, and 3) maximal pressure (Pmax).Results: In all regions, there was significant reduction in the mean pressure of all active cells in the VMS. In the number of cells exceeding 9.3kPa, we saw a significant reduction in the sacrum and scapulae in the VMS, no difference in the occiput, and significantly more cells above this value in the heels of subjects on the VMS. Pmax was significantly reduced in all regions, and was less than half when examining the sacrum (104.3 vs. 41.8kPa, p<0.001).Conclusion: This study does not exclude the possibility of pressure ulcer development in the VMS although there was a significant reduction in pressure in the parameters we measured in most areas. These results indicate that the VMS may reduce the incidence and severity of pressure ulcer development compared to the SB. Further prospective trials are needed to determine if these results will translate into better clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A patient with a suspected cervical spine injury may be at risk for secondary neurologic injury when initially placed and repositioned to the center of the spine board.Objectives: We sought to determine which centering adjustment best limits cervical spine movement and minimizes the chance for secondary injury.Methods: Using five lightly embalmed cadaveric specimens with a created global instability at C5-C6, motion sensors were anchored to the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies. Three repositioning methods were used to center the cadavers on the spine board: horizontal slide, diagonal slide, and V-adjustment. An electromagnetic tracking device measured angular (degrees) and translation (millimeters) motions at the C5-C6 level during each of the three centering adjustments. The dependent variables were angular motion (flexion-extension, axial rotation, lateral flexion) and translational displacement (anteroposterior, axial, and medial-lateral).Results: The nonuniform condition produced significantly less flexion-extension than the uniform condition (p = 0.048). The horizontal slide adjustment produced less cervical flexion-extension (p = 0.015), lateral bending (p = 0.003), and axial rotation (p = 0.034) than the V-adjustment. Similarly, translation was significantly less with the horizontal adjustment than with the V-adjustment; medial-lateral (p = 0.017), axial (p < 0.001), and anteroposterior (p = 0.006).Conclusions: Of the three adjustments, our team found that horizontal slide was also easier to complete than the other methods. The horizontal slide best limited cervical spine motion and may be the most helpful for minimizing secondary injury based on the study findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Commercially available binder devices are commonly used in the acute treatment of pelvic fractures, while many advocate simply placing a circumferential sheet for initial stabilization of such injuries. We sought to determine whether or not the T-POD would provide more stability to an unstable pelvic injury as compared to circumferential pelvic sheeting. Methods: Unstable pelvic injuries (OTA type 61-C-1) were surgically created in five fresh, lightly embalmed whole human cadavers. Electromagnetic sensors were placed on each hemi-pelvis. The amount of angular motion during testing was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT). Either a T-POD or circumferential sheet was applied in random order for testing. The measurements recorded in this investigation included maximum displacements for sagittal, coronal, and axial rotation during application of the device, bed transfer, log-rolling, and head of bed elevation. Results: There were no differences in motion of the injured hemi-pelvis during application of either the T-POD or circumferential sheet. During the bed transfer, log-rolling, and head of bed elevation, there were no significant differences in displacements observed when the pelvis was immobilized with either a sheet or pelvic binder (T-POD). Conclusions: A circumferential pelvic sheet is more readily available, costs less, is more versatile, and is equally as efficacious at immobilizing the unstable pelvis as compared to the T-POD. We advocate the use of circumferential sheeting for temporary stabilization of unstable pelvic injuries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: As prehospital emergency rescuers prepare cervical spine-injured adult patients for immobilization and transport to hospital, it is essential that patients be placed in a favorable position. Previously, it was recommended that patients with cervical spine injuries be immobilized in a slightly flexed position using pads placed beneath the head. However, it is unknown how neck flexion created with pad placement affects the unstable spine. Objective: To determine the effects of three different head positions on the alignment of unstable vertebral segments. Methods: Five cadavers with a complete segmental instability at the C5 and C6 level were included in the study. The head was either placed directly on the ground (or spine board) or on foam pads. Three conditions were tested: no pad; pads 2.84 cm thick; and pads 4.26 cm thick. Pads were positioned beneath the head to determine their effect on spinal alignment. Anterior-posterior translation, flexion-extension motion, and axial displacement across the unstable segment were compared between conditions. Results: Although statistical tests failed to identify any significant differences between pad conditions, some meaningful results were noted. In general, the “no pad” condition aligned the spine in a position that best replicated the intact spine. Conclusions: Because the goal of emergency rescuers is to conserve whatever physiologic or structural integrity of the spinal cord and spinal column that remains, the outcome of this study suggests that this goal may be best achieved using the “no pad” condition. However, it is recommended that more research be conducted to confirm these preliminary findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]