title: Immediate closed reduction of cervical spine dislocations using traction.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Star
authors: A A
authors: AA
authors: Jones
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Cotler
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Balderston
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Sinha
mesh_terms: 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