Log roll with spinal precautions

Overview

Patients are often managed with spinal precautions in scenarios in which the spine has not yet been deemed ‘cleared from injury’, in the case where diagnostic imaging has not yet been performed, or as a treatment modality in patients in which a spinal injury has been identified.

The aim of using spinal precautions is to prevent secondary injury by minimising movement of potentially unstable bony segments and worsening cord injury.

In addition to keeping the patient supine, log rolls may be utilised for pressure area care, to examine the patients back and occiput and perform hygiene cares.

The aim of further management is to have clearly documented clearance and management plans for ongoing spinal injury care.

Description

This resource kit provides procedural skill experience for the performance of log rolling with spinal precautions in the ward care setting following trauma.

Learning objectives

• Understand the process for maintaining spinal precautions during performing a log roll.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform a log roll.
• Describe complications that may arise from patients who require spinal precautions.

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