Complications of halo-pelvic traction. Case report.
When halo-pelvic traction is applied at a rapid rate it may induce cranial nerve palsies. The sixth, ninth, and tenth cranial nerves appear to be the most vulnerable. A proposed etiology is the stretching of these nerves resulting in a compromised blood supply with a consequent temporary paralysis which usually improves within 8 to 10 weeks.
D002648:Child; D003391:Cranial Nerves; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D010388:Pelvis; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000628:therapy; D012886:Skull; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects*