EAST Live Town Hall Debate: Clearing the C-spine based on CT scan Only - Best Practice or Dangerous Precedent?

Sep 30, 2016

This program will be held on September 30, 2016 from 4pm-5pm Eastern (3pm-4pm Central, 1pm-2pm Pacific).  There is no cost to participate in this webinar but registration is required. 

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This session will focus on the new EAST Practice Management Guideline on C-Spine Clearance in the Obtunded Patient. This new PMG supports clearing the cervical spine and removing cervical spine precautions based on a negative high-quality CT scan and no further imaging. This remains a controversial topic, with many experts arguing for continuation of cervical spine immobilization and/or performing MRI of the c-spine to ensure that there is no major ligamentous injury with instability.

Moderator: Kevin Pei, EAST Online Education
Co-Moderator: Matthew Martin, EAST Online Education Chair

Arguing the PRO position for CT-based C-spine clearance:
Mayur Patel, MD, FACS
Ruby Skinner, MD, FACS

Arguing the CON position that CT-based clearance is inadequate:
Nicole A. Stassen, MD, FACS
Kevin Schuster, MD, FACS

Primary study or data being discussed:
New East C-Spine Practice Management Guideline 2015

1. Patel MB, Humble SS, Cullinane DC, Day MA, Jawa RS, Devin CJ, et al. Cervical spine collar clearance in the obtunded adult blunt trauma patient: A systematic review and practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 2015;78(2):430-41.