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Academic Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2026, 7(3); doi: 10.25236/AJMHS.2026.070303.

A Review of the Clinical Application of Skull Traction in Cervical Spine Injury

Author(s)

Yufei Ye

Corresponding Author:
Yufei Ye
Affiliation(s)

College of Health Sciences and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China

Abstract

Cervical spine injury often results in spinal instability and neural compression, and early restoration of alignment and stability is essential for improving prognosis. Skull traction is a commonly used method for closed reduction and temporary stabilization in acute cervical spine injury, helping restore alignment and facilitate subsequent surgical treatment. This review summarizes the indications, device selection, technical considerations, complications, and clinical efficacy of skull traction. Current evidence suggests that, with appropriate patient selection and standardized monitoring, skull traction has important clinical value, although its traction parameters and application strategies still require further standardization.

Keywords

skull traction; cervical spine injury; closed reduction; Gardner–Wells tongs; temporary stabilization

Cite This Paper

Yufei Ye. A Review of the Clinical Application of Skull Traction in Cervical Spine Injury. Academic Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences (2026), Vol. 7, Issue 3: 14-22. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJMHS.2026.070303.

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