Measurements of Angulation of the C-spine

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This is a prospective study aiming to assess the shape of the neck in adults. In addition the study will look at the shape of the neck in a spinal collar and the comfort while wearing a spinal collar.

Detailed Description
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The investigators aim to compare baseline scans of the neck in those aged 18yrs and older to a second neck scan where the participant is wearing a spinal collar. Experts will analyse the scans for measurements of angulations. In addition the study will collect demographic data and results from a validated patient questionnaire assessing comfort wearing the spinal collar. The hypothesis: The shape of the neck is different when comparing the young and old populations The spinal collar does not alter the shape of the spine The spinal collars are uncomfortable in the elderly population

Official Title
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Comparison of Measurements of the Cervical Spine in Adults With and Without Immobilisation

Conditions
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Cervical Spine

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: spinal collar


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Persons aged 18yrs and over to those aged 30yrs Persons aged 70yrs and over Ability to give informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Persons under 18yrs of age and those aged 31yrs -69yrs Persons who lack capacity to consent for entry into the study Persons who are unable to complete the visual analogue score or questionnaire due to co-existent visual and hearing loss. Severe hearing impairment will be defined as unable to hear the researcher with hearing aids if required. Severe visual impairment will be defined as being unable to read the patient information sheet even with visual aids. Persons unable to understand the information leaflet in English. Those with current neck pain, known previous C-spine injury or known medical condition affecting the spine. Persons who do not pass the safety questionnaire to undergo an MRI scan Persons who are unable to tolerate an MRI scan due to claustrophobia Persons who are unable to transfer to the scanner table independently Persons unable to lie flat and still for 10 minutes Persons who do not give consent to their General Practitioner being informed of scan results.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Other: Spinal collar<br>Participants will undergo MRI scans in and out a spinal collar to assess whether the measurements of angulation of the C-spine change whilst wearing a spinal collar. | Device: spinal collar<br>* cervical collar to immobilise the cervical spine<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Measurements of Angulation of the Neck (C-spine) on MRI Scans | Comparison of the measurements of angulation of the neck (assessed on MRI imaging) in the young person compared to the older person. Statistical analysis to allow comparison of groups. | Baseline MRI image, approximately 30 minutes and second MRI image (with collar on), after one hour of wearing collar. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Degree of Change in Measurements of Angulation of the Neck (C-spine) on MRI Scans Whilst Wearing a Spinal Collar Compared to When Not Wearing a Spinal Collar. | Comparison of the degree of change of measurements of angulation of the neck from MRI scans of a young persons neck (C-spine) in and out of a spinal collar to those of an older persons neck (C-spine) in and out of a spinal collar on MRI imaging. Statistical analysis to allow comparison of groups. | Baseline MRI image, approximately 30 minutes and second MRI image (with collar on), after one hour of wearing collar. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Cervical spine