Effects of the adjustive tractor in treatment of cervical dislocation / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the clinical effects of the adjustive tractor for cervical dislocation.Methods Forty-seven patients were included between September 2007 and November 2011.There were 36 males and 11 females with age ranged from 7 to 62 (mean,35 years).The mean interval from injury to admission was 8.6 h (range,0.5-72 h).There were atlanto-occipital dislocation in 2 cases,C1.2 in 2 cases,C2.3 dislocation in 5 cases,C3.4 dislocation in 2,C4.5 in 9,C5.6 in 13,C6.7 in 14.Thirty cases were complicated by fracture.No facet locking occurred in sixteen cases.Facet locking was found in ten cases and bilateral facet locking was in 21 cases.After reduction,brace or internal fixation followed.According to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) spinal function impairment scale standard,there were 4 cases in level A,10 cases in level B,18 in C,10 in D,and 5 in E.According to Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) spinal function rating standard,the mean JOA score was 9 (range,2-14).Results All 47 cases were reduced successfully without neuronal function aggravation.Traction power ranged from 7 to 60 kg (mean,25.6 kg),the mean time of traction was 8 min (range,3-10 min).The mean follow-up was 38 (range,6-48) months.All the patients achieved normal alignment and intervertebral height.The intervertebral body fusion was observed in all of cases,the mean fusion time was 3.3 months (range,3-6 months).One patient who experienced nonunion of vertebral arch fracture didn't receive further treatment because of absence of symptoms.At last follow-up,there were 3 cases in level A,1 in level B,4 in C,8 in D,and 31 in E according to ASIA scale.The mean JOA score was 12 (range,2-17).Conclusion The adjustive tractor is simple and safe for prompt reduction.