Study design A prospective observational study. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of closed reduction of cervical spine injuries (CSIs) using cervical traction and identify probable complications. Setting Methods Consecutive CSIs managed by closed reduction using Gardener-Well's Tongs traction were prospectively analysed. The data included imaging and neurological examinations findings, Frankel grading, and extent of reduction. Reduction of 95% or more was deemed satisfactory. The primary outcome measures were extent/degree of reduction and neurologic status classified as improved, same, or worse. Other complications were taken as secondary outcome measures. Result Seventy-four patients, 49 males, mean age 35.2 years (SD 9.7) were included. In all, 78.4% presented within 72 hours of injury. In total, 85.1% had road traffic crashes. Anterior subluxation was seen in 86.5%. The degree of displacement was <25% in 36/74 (48.6%), 25-50% in 19/74 (25.7%), 50-75% in 8/74 (10.8%), and >75% in 11/74 (14.9%). Traction reduction was done after 7 days of injury in 52.7% and same day of injury in 1.4%. Reduction weight ranged from 2 kg to 60 kg. Reduction was satisfactory in 67.6% and failed in 32.4%. In all, 81.1% of patients remained neurologically the same, while 18.9% improved. Causes of failed reduction were facet lock (15), old injury (8), new-onset/worsening pain (3), and over-distraction (2). Complications of closed reduction were over-distraction (5), tong pull-out (2), new-onset/worsening pain (2), and skull perforation (1). Conclusions Satisfactory closed reduction is feasible in patients with CSI and significant malalignment. The method is associated with few complications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.