Evaluation of the Efficiency of Minerva Collar on Cervical Spine Motions

Background: Various types of cervical collars have been used to immobilize the cervical spine. There is no information regarding the effectiveness of cervicothoracic collars (Minerva) on restriction of motions in cervical spine. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immobilization achieved following the use of Minerva collar in cervical and cervicothoracic spine. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects (10 females and 10 males) were recruited in the study, having no history of pain, deformity and surgery in the spine. A motion analysis system was used to record the motions of the cervical, upper thoracic and cervicothoracic in flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation with and without Minerva collar. Results: The motion restriction of the upper cervical spine obtained with Minerva collar varied between 86.32 and 90%. The range of flexion/extension of cervical and cervicothoracic parts decreased by 27.35 and 56.32%, respectively following the use of Minerva collar. The flexion/extension range of motion of this segment decreased by 77.85 and 63.25%, respectively between occiput and T12. Conclusion: The maximum restriction of motion with Minerva collar was achieved in the cervical spine, due to the efficiency of Minerva collar in restricting the cervical motions, especially in the upper part.