The hard spinal board has been used since the 1930s to prevent additional spinal damage while transporting patients after an accident. In recent decades, attention has also been paid to the drawbacks of these boards. The straps can cause breathing difficulties, the horizontal position can increase intracranial pressure in patients with brain injuries and the board itself is hard, uncomfortable and painful and may contribute to the development of pressure sores (decubitus). 'In addition, no published research has proven that using a hard spinal board helps prevent further damage to the injured spine,' says PhD candidate Baukje Hemmes.

Hemmes tested a board with an integrated mattress that was developed in Maastricht. This 'soft' spinal board consists of a flat base with a covered mattress. She then compared the qualities of the soft spinal board to that of the hard version with a vacuum mattress (a previously developed alternative). As part of the research study, healthy and conscious volunteers tested the three board models. Pressure on the shoulders, heels and sacrum proved to be significantly lower and less painful with the new model compared to the older one. Patients who underwent a surgical procedure of two hours or less under full anaesthesia had fewer pressure-related side effects on the new board than those who were operated on using the hard spinal board. Pressure sores result from extreme and continued pressure on the skin. According to the PhD candidate, the amount of time spent on any of these boards should be kept to a minimum.

The business community is currently determining the market opportunities for this new spinal board with integrated mattress. 'It would be great to see these positive scientific insights translated into practical healthcare applications,' says Hemmes.

The full title of her dissertation is: ‘Improving spineboard design: Evaluation of a new, soft-layered spineboard in trauma care.’