By Dimity McCracken
These are images from real ICU patients.
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This young woman was the driver in a high speed MVA. She was restrained by a seatbelt, & she sustained mostly lower limb orthopaedic injuries. She was initially distressed by pain, but after analagesia was more settled & denied any midline spinal tenderness.
Would you be happy to clear her C-spine?
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NO!
Lateral C-spine image shows fracture line through base of PEG w posterior displacement of PEG in relation to C2 body (ie. unstable)
Open mouth PEG-view shows this more clearly.
Always check each view thoroughly, & ensure they are of adequate quality to answer the question of C-spine clearance.
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Victorian Trauma Guidelines on C-spine clearance
Canadian C-spine Rules (go back to the original!)
The Alfred Hospital (Vic) Spinal Clearance Protocol from 2009
Our latest podcast on neck trauma – Protect Ya Neck
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