Skull Traction for Cervical Spine Injury: Should It Be Abandoned?

To the Editor.— In the initial report of the National Spinal Cord Injury Registry, statistics related to the treatment instituted were revealed. Drucker and Perot1stated that "it may come as a surprise to many neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons to find that vertebral fusion is commonly carried out the day of the accident." There were 19 vertebral fusions, ten laminectomies, and 33 tong insertions performed on day 0. It is gratifying to see twice as many anterior operations as laminectomies. The large number treated by skull traction, however, is cause for concern. Treatment of fractures of the cervical spine by skull traction probably does more harm than good. Twenty-five years ago, it was sound surgical teaching and practice to place the part or organ of the body, damaged by injury or operation, at complete rest to obtain proper healing. Following major operations, patients were confined to bed for two