Air Medical Transport of Patients with Spinal Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Existing Evidence and Future Research Directions - Summary - MDSpire
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Air Medical Transport of Patients with Spinal Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Existing Evidence and Future Research Directions
To consolidate evidence on fixed-wing transport for patients with acute spinal pathology and provide recommendations for best practices in monitoring and management.
Key Findings:
12 papers reviewed, primarily from military contexts, involving 105 cases of spinal injury, highlighting the need for tailored transport strategies.
Fixed-wing transport differs from rotor-wing in acceleration, atmospheric pressure, vibration, transport duration, temperature, and humidity, each impacting patient outcomes.
Fixed-wing aircraft provide smoother transport, reducing ICP fluctuations and improving medical team accessibility, which is crucial for patient safety.
Interpretation:
Fixed-wing transport presents unique physiological challenges for spinal patients, such as altered gas exchange and increased ICP, necessitating careful monitoring and management during aeromedical transfers.
Limitations:
Limited civilian literature on fixed-wing transport for spinal disorders raises concerns about the generalizability of findings.
Most included studies were descriptive case reports with low evidence levels, indicating a need for higher-quality research.
Conclusion:
Understanding the distinct impacts of fixed-wing transport is essential for optimizing care in patients with spinal disorders during air medical transport, and future research should focus on addressing identified gaps.
by Ashviniy Thamilmaran, Zak Hodgson, Konstantinos Peramatzis, Maria Karampouga, Mark Jarratt, Eleni Tsianaka, Insa K. Janssen, Anastasia Tasiou, Nese Keser, Mary Murphy
For years, chronic stroke patients heard familiar feedback regarding their ability to regain strength and mobility after ischemic strokes caused upper-extremity deficits.
Aviva Abosch, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgeon at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health Brain and Spine Care, was installed as the Esernia Endowed Chair in Surgical Treatment of Adult Epilepsy and Movement Disorders.