Rigid neck collar versus no collar for healing stable neck (cervical) fractures
Official title: Rigid Collar or no Collar for Non-surgical Treatment of Stable Cervical Spine Fractures: a Protocol for a Randomized Register Trial
Run by Uppsala University Hospital · NCT06848660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether adults with stable neck fractures heal just as well without a rigid neck collar as they do with one.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 616 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Uppsala University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Gothenburg and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | April 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06848660 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with a recent (within 3 weeks) stable cervical spine fracture judged suitable for non-surgical treatment by a consultant spinal surgeon are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with unstable fractures, new neurological deficits, additional cervical injuries requiring surgery, or underlying conditions that risk spinal instability (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis) are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a registry-based randomized controlled trial enrolling adults with recent, stable cervical spine fractures who are judged suitable for non-surgical management. Participants randomized to either wear a rigid cervical collar (typically 24 hours/day for up to 12 weeks) or to receive no rigid collar, with follow-up to compare bone healing, comfort, and complications. The trial uses the Swedish Fracture Register for recruitment and outcome tracking and applies standard fracture classification systems to guide eligibility. Key outcomes include radiographic healing, development of pressure ulcers or swallowing/breathing problems, and patient-reported function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could avoid the discomfort and complications of a rigid collar without worsening fracture healing.
How similar studies have gone: Randomized data directly comparing routine rigid collar use to no collar are limited, so this registry-based randomized approach addresses an important and relatively untested question despite prior guideline shifts away from collars.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged \> 18 years with a stable cervical spine fracture\*. * A history of recent trauma (within 3 weeks). * Recruited within 3 weeks of injury. * Determined by the consultant spinal surgeon as suitable for non-surgical treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * New neurological deficit attributable to the fracture. * Additional cervical spine fracture not suitable for non-surgical treatment. * Underlying condition with risk of spinal instability (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, DISH, rheumatoid arthritis). * Fracture suspected to be older than 3 weeks at the time of assessment. * Not expected to survive to hospital discharge or not expected to survive surgical treatment.
Where it's running
-
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting -
Linköping University Hospital
Linköping, Sweden Recruiting -
Skåne University Hospital
Lund, Sweden Recruiting -
Skåne University Hospital
Malmö, Sweden Recruiting -
Umeå University Hospital
Umeå, Sweden Recruiting -
Uppsala University Hospital
Uppsala, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anna MacDowall M Principal investigator, Associate Professor
- Email: anna.macdowall@uu.se
- Phone: +46 186110000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.