The first notable study on the implementation of backboards and C-collars was conducted in the 1960s, but most of the recommendations have been based on tradition and informed opinion, and not necessarily validated, scientific evidence. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence for the implementation and continued use of spinal immobilisation. A Cochrane review from 2007 noted, for example, that there wasn’t a single prospective, randomized controlled trial on spinal immobilisation.
Is spine board immobilisation doing more harm than good?
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