The University of Georgia Athletic Association, the Athens-based UGA School of Medicine and Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center completed a research study examining ways to improve outcomes for athletes who sustain catastrophic cervical spine injuries.
The project, titled “Improving Outcomes for Catastrophic Cervical Spine-Injured Athletes,” brought together physicians, athletic trainers, emergency medical services personnel, biomechanical researchers and sports and emergency medicine leaders from the Athens-based University of Georgia and the Gainesville-based University of Florida, according to a May 31 news release.
Researchers conducted the study at the UGA School of Medicine anatomy laboratory and used fresh frozen, lightly fixed cadaver models equipped with football gear to evaluate spinal motion restriction and athlete extrication techniques. The work also involved imaging and procedural support from Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.
The team compared current emergency care methods with the goal of reducing spinal movement during treatment, improving patient safety and advancing evidence-based practices for emergency response in athletics. Researchers also used vertebral motion analysis technology to measure cervical spine movement during immobilization, transfer and equipment-removal procedures.
Additional analysis is ongoing. The findings are expected to inform future peer-reviewed publications, educational programs and national best-practice recommendations for catastrophic spine injury management in sports, according to the release.
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