Motion produced in the unstable cervical spine by the HAINES and lateral recovery positions

Abstract

Study objective. To compare the amount of segmental vertebral motion produced with the lateral recovery position and the HAINES technique when performed on cadavers with destabilized cervical spines. Methods. The cervical spines of 10 cadavers were surgically destabilized at the C5-C6 vertebral segment. Sensors from an electromagnetic tracking device were affixed to the vertebrae in question to monitor the amount of anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and distraction/compression linear motion produced during the application of the two study techniques. Results. The statistical analysis of linear motion data did not reveal any significant differences between the two recovery positions. Conclusion. At this time, no single version of the recovery position can be endorsed for the spine-injured trauma patient. More research is needed to fully ascertain the safety of commonly used recovery positions.