OROTRACHEAL INTUBATION IN TRAUMA PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL FRACTURES

Objective: To evaluate orotracheal intubation with in-line stabilizati on of the cervical spine for emergency airway treatment of trauma pati ents with cervical spine injuries. Design: Of 7518 trauma patients exa mined, 81 patients with cervical spine injuries received emergency oro tracheal intubation. All intubations were performed by experienced ane sthesiologists, with a separate individual maintaining in-line stabili zation. Neurologic examination was documented before and after intubat ion. Results: Peripheral neurologic deficit was present from the outse t in 20 patients. There were unstable cervical fractures in 38 patient s with no neurologic deficit. Twenty-three patients were neurologicall y intact with fractures that were later judged stable. In no instance was there a deterioration of neurologic status following intubation. P eripheral neurologic deficits improved after intubation in four patien ts. Conclusion: Orotracheal intubation, performed with manual in-line stabilization by trained and experienced personnel, is a safe emergenc y procedure in patients with cervical fractures.