Log-rolling technique producing unacceptable motion during body position changes in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Abstract

Object The purpose of the present study was to compare spinal motion generated during log-rolling and kinetic therapy with that generated when using a kinetic treatment table (KTT). The authors' hypothesis was that the KTT would produce less spinal motion while maintaining the benefits of body position changes. Methods Cervical and lumbar instability was created in three fresh, unembalmed cadavers. Electromagnetic sensors were fixed to the C5–6 and T12–L2 segments to measure cervical and lumbar spine segmental motion. Body position changes were performed using the traditional log-roll method and a KTT. Spinal motion was measured during each maneuver. Turning the cadaveric specimens on the KTT bed caused significantly less cervical motion than the log-roll technique as measured in flexion and axial rotation. The log-roll technique caused significantly greater cervical motion during body position changes than turning using the KTT. Conclusions Although the global instability will require surgical stabilization, consideration should be given to initial immobilization on a KTT to decrease the likelihood of secondary injury.