Most procedures viewed in my institution

INTRODUCTION: Cervical Traction Application Skeletal traction (Figure 1A: Cervical traction) is applied to the cervical spine when it has become unstable. Cervical alignment and reduction are the goals of the treatment (Figure 1B: Cervical traction and reduction). Immobilization reduces the risk of further injury to the vertebrae, ligaments and underlying soft neural tissue. Cervical traction application is performed by physicians. This procedure may be required prior to internal fixation of the cervical spine or when surgery is contraindicated. Gardner-Wells tongs are inserted in the skull by placing the razor sharp pin edges to the prepared area of the scalp and tightening the screws until the spring load mechanism indicates that the correct pressure has been achieved. Figure 1A: Cervical traction     Figure 1B: Cervical traction and reduction