The measurement of tissue interface pressures and changes in jugular venous parameters associated with cervical immobilisation devices: a systematic review

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

Jonathan Benger³  Sarah Voss¹  Alison Sparke² 

[1] Research Fellow in Emergency Care, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK;Research Paramedic, Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bristol, UK;Professor of Emergency Care, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

关键词: Head injury;    Intracranial pressure;    Jugular venous pressure;    Pressure ulcers;    Cervical collar;    Interface pressure;   

Others  :  810590
DOI  :  10.1186/1757-7241-21-81

 received in 2013-06-10, accepted in 2013-11-20,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Cervical immobilisation is commonly applied following trauma, particularly blunt head injury, but current methods of immobilisation are associated with significant complications. Semi-rigid disposable cervical collars are known to cause pressure ulcers, and impede effective airway management. These collars may also exacerbate a head injury by increasing intracranial pressure as a result of external compression of the jugular veins. There is a clear imperative to find ways of effectively immobilising the cervical spine whilst minimising complications, and any assessment of existing or new devices should include a standardized approach to the measurement of tissue interface pressures and their effect on jugular venous drainage from the brain. This systematic review summarises the research methods and technologies that have been used to measure tissue interface pressure and assess the jugular vein in the context of cervical immobilisation devices. 27 papers were included and assessed for quality. Laboratory investigations and biomechanical studies have gradually given way to methods that more accurately reflect clinical care. There are numerous accounts of skin ulceration associated with cervical collars, but no standardised approach to measuring tissue interface pressure. It is therefore difficult to compare studies and devices, but a pressure of less than 30 mmHg appears desirable. Cervical collars have been shown to have a compressive effect on the jugular veins, but it is not yet certain that this is the cause of the increased intracranial pressure observed in association with cervical collar use. This is the first review of its type. It will help guide further research in this area of trauma care, and the development and testing of new cervical immobilisation devices.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Sparke et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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