In the context of head or neck injuries, manual in-line stabilization is used to prevent movement of which structure?

• A. The thoracic spine
• B. The cervical spine
• C. The lumbar spine
• D. The skull

Answer: (B)

Manual in-line stabilization is used to prevent movement of the cervical spine. In head or neck trauma, the neck is the portion most at risk for potentially devastating injury to the spinal cord from even small movements. By keeping the head, neck, and torso aligned and limiting any flexion, extension, or rotation, MILS protects the cervical spinal cord during assessment, airway management, and transport. The thoracic and lumbar spines are stabilized as part of full spinal immobilization, but the immediate focus of MILS is the cervical region. Stabilizing the cervical spine helps keep the entire upper spine and skull in a safe, neutral position relative to the rest of the spine.