Cervical collar

Cervical collar
A side view of a person wearing a C spine collar.

A cervical collar (also neck brace) is an orthopedic medical device used to support a patient's neck and head. It is also used by emergency personnel for victims of traumatic head or neck injuries, [1] and can be used to treat chronic medical conditions.

Whenever patients have a traumatic head or neck injury, there is a danger of spinal cord injury, which could lead to paralysis or death. A common scenario for this injury would be a patient suspected of having whiplash due to a car accident.[2] In order to prevent further injury, such patients may have a collar placed by medical professionals until X-rays can be taken to determine if a cervical spine fracture exists.[3] The cervical collar only stabilizes the top seven vertebrae, C1 through C7. (Other immobilizing devices such as a Kendrick Extrication Device or a backboard can be used to stabilize the remainder of the spinal column.[4])

Cervical collars are also used therapeutically to help realign the spinal cord and relieve pain,[5] although they are usually not worn for long periods of time.[6] Another use of the cervical collar is for strains, sprains or whiplash.[2][3] If pain is persistent, the collar might be required to remain attached to help in the healing process.[3][5] A patient may also need a cervical collar, or may require a halo fixation device to support the neck during recovery after surgery such as cervical spinal fusion.[7]

Cervical collar in sport

In high-risk motorsports such as Motocross, go-kart racing and speed-boat racing, racers often wear a protective collar to avoid whiplash and other neck injuries.

Designs range from simple foam collars to complex compsite devices.[8]

  • A Motocross rider wearing a sports neck brace

  • Lateral view of a cervical collar

  • AP view of a cervical collar

See also

References

  1. ^ Mistovich, Joseph J.; Brent Q. Hafen, Keith J Karren (2000) (in English). Brady Prehospital Emergency Care (6 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. pp. 662. ISBN 0-8359-6064-1. 
  2. ^ a b "Whiplash". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/whiplash. Retrieved 2008-03-07. 
  3. ^ a b c "Neck Strains". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/neck-strain. Retrieved 2008-03-07. 
  4. ^ Mistovich, Joseph J.; Brent Q. Hafen, Keith J Karren (2000) (in English). Brady Prehospital Emergency Care (6 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. pp. 662. ISBN 0-8359-6064-1. 
  5. ^ a b "Cervical Disc Disease Treatment: Physical Therapy and Other Options". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/physical-therapy-other-options. Retrieved 2008-03-07. 
  6. ^ "Office Ergonomics - Other Treatment for Injuries Related to the Workstation". WebMD. http://women.webmd.com/tc/office-ergonomics-other-treatment-for-injuries-related-to-the-workstation. Retrieved 2008-03-07. 
  7. ^ "Cervical spinal fusion". WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cervical-spinal-fusion. Retrieved 2008-03-07. 
  8. ^ "Valhalla Adult 360 Plus Device Karting Neck Brace". http://www.valhallaracing.com/360Plus2.cfm. Retrieved 2010-08-16. 

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