SPINAL HYPEREXTENSION LITTER

1. The same consideration should he given to fractures of the spinal column as to fractures elsewhere in the body. Restoration of normal bone-and-joint contour of fractured vertebrae is just as essential to restoration of normal function as it is in fractures elsewhere in the body.

2. Fractures of the vertebrae without cord changes can easily be converted into fractures with cord symptoms by improper handling and transportation of a patient to the nearest point where a diagnosis and competent treatment can be obtained.

3. Splinting of fractured vertebrae where the patient lies is just as important as splinting fractures of long bones to prevent serious complications from arising.

4. Early diagnosis, early reduction, and early immobilization of fractured vertebrae are the factors which comprise the ideal care of this type of injury.

5. Delayed cord symptoms, following fractures of vertebrae as a result of hemorrhage, will, in a majority of cases, be eliminated by an early reduction of the fractures. The mechanical reduction of the deformity will usually stop the hemorrhage and prevent delayed spinal-cord paralysis.

6. The mobile hyperextension stretcher frame is so designed and constructed that the patient is moved only once, making it unnecessary to move him again to make the diagnosis, to reduce the fracture, and to immobilize the fracture.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Technorati    What's this?