Abstract
In order to reduce the magnitude of the force applied to skull for treatment of acute cervical spine dislocation, we developed a method of skeletal traction based on reduction of friction forces under the patient’s head. Traction force was applied to sculls of five patients with cervical fracture-dislocations. A difference in friction interface between the patient’s head and shoulder girdle was created. The traction weight required for the reduction of the vertebral dislocation was significantly lower than an expected minimal traction weight in the commonly used techniques (p = 0.013). The presented method permits an effective and safe reduction of dislocated cervical vertebra by a relatively low traction force.
Highlights
Dislocation injuries to the cervical spine have a high probability of serious neurological sequela and should be reduced promptly
During the reduction procedure the patients were mechanically stable on their beds and there was no slippage of their heads from the supporting area covered by the low friction surface
Our initial results indicate that the described method of cervical spine dislocation reduction by traction over low friction surface being efficient, low cost and safe
Summary
Dislocation injuries to the cervical spine have a high probability of serious neurological sequela and should be reduced promptly. The most widely used method for emergency reduction of acute cervical spine dislocations is by application of gradual traction to the patients’ skull [1]. In the resistant to this method cases, a relatively high distraction force, up to 30 - 35 kilograms of connected weights, might be required for a successful reduction in reasonable time period [3]. This high force is transmitted directly to the scull through the drilled holes in the temporal area and can cause local damage or avulsion.
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