MacCallum KP, Kalata S, Darcy D, et al. - Researchers investigated the incidence of pneumonia (PNA), urinary tract infection (UTI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients who experience traumatic spine injuries and remain in spinal precautions (SP) to minimize the risk of devastating cord injury while awaiting definitive management. They recognized 344 patients aged 18 and older with spinal column injuries in a prospectively-collected registry at an urban, level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2016. They reported the mean age of 54.6 years (SD, 21.7), median Injury Severity Score 10 (IQR, 5–17) and the median SP of 4.0 (IQR, 3.0–6.0) days among these patients. The tracked complications occurred in 93 (28.2) patients; 51 (15.5%) developed PNA, 35 (10.6%) UTI, 23 (7.0%) DVT, and 5 (1.5%) PE. The analysis revealed a correlation of prolonged SP (> 72 h) with heightened rates of immobility-associated morbidities. They recommend focusing on prompt, definitive care and early mobilization.