The results of this study reveal no significant neurologic benefit when cervical spinal cord decompression after trauma is performed less than 72 hours after injury (mean, 1.8 days) as opposed to waiting longer than 5 days (mean, 16.8 days).

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The process of closed traction reduction appears to increase the incidence of intervertebral disc herniations. The relation of these findings, however, to the neurologic safety of awake closed traction reduction remain unclear.

Cervical spine injury commonly occurs with relatively minor trauma in patients > or = 65, with a mortality rate of approximately 26% with associated SCI. Return of functional motor recovery is delayed in older patients with incomplete deficits, but can be expected. C2 injuries, especially odontoid fractures, must be ruled out in older patients with neck pain after even a minor injury.