Cervical and thoracolumbar spine injury evaluation, transport, and surgery in the deployed setting

Abstract

This Cervical and Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Evaluation, Transport, and Surgery Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) is designed to provide guidance to the deployed provider when they are treating a combat casualty who has sustained a spine or spinal cord injury. The CPG objective for the treatment and the movement of these patients is to maintain spinal stability through transport, perform decompression when urgently needed, achieve definitive stabilization when appropriate, avoid secondary injury, and prevent deterioration of the patient's neurological condition. Thorough and accurate documentation of the patient's neurological examination is crucial to ensure appropriate management decisions are made as the patient transits through the evacuation system. The use of this CPG should be in conjunction with good clinical judgment.