title: [Brain abscess following the use of skull traction with Gardner-Wells tongs].
abstract: Brain abscess after insertion of skull traction is a rare and serious complication. Its development is secondary to superficial infection. Adequate preventive measures have to be taken: proper sterile dressing and daily care. Signs of local irritation are not always synonymous with skull migration. When gradual loosening of the skull occurs, especially associated with superficial infection, the pins must not be tightened. The more appropriate management is to investigate for penetration of the inner cranial cave. When in doubt, repositioning the pins may be necessary, as well as establishing an aggressive treatment against cutaneous infection.
authors.affiliation: Service d'orthopédie et de traumatologie adulte et infantile, centre hospitalier universitaire de Poitiers La Milétrie, France.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Soyer
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Iborra
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fargues
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pries
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Clarac
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries; D001458:Bandages; D001858:Bone Nails; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000293:injuries; D017592:Skin Care; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000628:therapy; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*