Immediate closed reduction of cervical spine dislocations using traction.
Cervical facet dislocations may be reduced rapidly and effectively using axial traction with weights applied at over the traditional 45-pound limit. Fifty-three sequential patients with cervical facet dislocations were reviewed. Thirty-nine patients required more than 50 pounds of traction to achieve rapid reduction. Sixty-eight percent of the entire series showed significant improvement in neurologic function. There were no cases of significant loss of function. A cadaver study confirmed that the cranial tongs could support over 100 pounds of traction. Careful application of up to 100 pounds seems to be associated with a low risk of neurologic compromise or tong failure, but results in effective reduction of dislocations.
Star
A M
AM
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
Jones
A A
AA
Cotler
J M
JM
Balderston
R A
RA
Sinha
R
R
D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014143:Traction / Q000379:methods