COMPARISON OF 2 NEW IMMOBILIZATION COLLARS

Study objective: To evaluate the limitation of movement of four cervical collars, with emphasis on two new extrication collars. Design: Ranges of motion permitted by four extrication collars, measured by two goniometric techniques, were compared. Times required to apply each collar were noted and compared. Setting: In a laboratory setting, volunteers were asked to flex, extend, laterally bend, and rotate their necks, first without restriction and then with each of the collars applied. Type of participants: Participants were healthy volunteers who worked either in the Department of Physical Therapy or in the Emergency Department of Tulane Medical Center Hospital. Interventions: The collars used were the Nec-Loc Extrication Collar(R), Philadelphia Collar(R), Philadelphia Red EM Collar(R) with Immobilizer, and Vacuum Splint Cervical Collars(R). Measurements: Measurements were performed first using the head goniometer and then the hand-held goniometer. Time required for application was measured in seconds. Statistical evaluation was performed using repeated measure analysis of variance and then Newman-Keuls multiple comparison procedure. Main results: The Vacuum Splint Cervical Collar(R) restricted range of motion of the cervical spine most effectively. Conclusion: A cervical collar with design characteristics similar to the Vacuum Splint Cervical Collar(R) (ie, a rigid collar that incorporates part of the thorax) will restrict movement of the neck more effectively than shorter, less rigid collars.