Analysis of the traction forces in different skull traction systems.
During transportation of patients under skull traction, swinging of the weights produces acceleration forces that not only can cause pain and discomfort for the patient, but also can cause worsening of the cervical fracture or dislocation. Skull traction systems also involve friction forces. In a system with one pulley, the friction forces were 10 to 21.5% of the weight applied but, in a system with three pulleys (Stryker SurgiBed 965), they were as much as 65%. A new spring traction device that permits traction during transportation showed better physical characteristics than the hanging weight systems.
Nyström
B
B
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Allard
H
H
Karlsson
H
H
D001513:Beds; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D012886:Skull; D014143:Traction / Q000295:instrumentation*