James Gardner, Gardner-Wells Tongs (GWT) have become a popular method of spinal traction (2,3). There are several uses for GWT, including the treatment of cervical spine fractures, patient positioning inside the operating room, and skeletal traction during spinal deformity surgery.
Likewise, how do Gardner-Wells tongs work?
Gardner-Wells tongs: device for immobilization of cervical spine injuries in which two sharp metal pins are screwed into the superficial layer of the skull. They are then connected to hanging weights or other traction devices for stabilization of the spine.
Secondly, how many kilograms do you do traction of cervical vertebrae without hurting the patient?
The usual range of treatment weight is 25 to 45 lbs. If the patient resists with muscle tension, no benefit will be achieved. Stoddard suggested that between 24 and 30 pounds (11-14 kg) of traction was necessary for relief of radicular symptoms.
How many pounds is cervical traction?
It appears that at least 25–30 pounds of force are required to produce measurable separation of the cervical vertebrae. The traction force must be at least the weight of the head to produce any significant decompression.
What are cervical tongs?
Cervical tongs or a halo ring are inserted into the skull so that weighted traction can be applied to the cervical spine. Cervical traction decompresses the spinal cord and immobilizes and realigns the cervical spine.
What are the types of traction?
There are two common types of traction. These include skin traction and skeletal traction.
What are traction techniques?
Traction is a manual technique designed to reduce pressure on affected vertebral discs that are causing pain. Traction is a manual ‘stretching’ of the spine which reduces pressure on the discs and therefore reduces the individual’s pain.
What is a tong traction?
A traction device whose pins are inserted into the skull to distract and/or immobilize the neck. Crutchfield tongs are used to stabilize fractures of the cervical spine.
What is Buck traction?
Buck’s traction is a type of skin traction that is widely used for femoral, hip, and acetabular fractures, which are fractures in the socket portion of the “ball-and-socket” hip joint.
What is the purpose of a halo?
A halo-vest is a brace that is used to immobilize and protect the cervical spine and neck after surgery or accident. The halo is a ring that surrounds the head and is attached by pins to the outer portion of the skull; however, some Halos are pinless but are only used in certain situations.
Where do I put Gardner-Wells tongs?
The optimal location for pins is 1 cm above the pinna of the ear, in line with external auditory meatus and below the equator of the skull (Figure 30-2). A pin that is too anterior will place the temporalis muscle and the superficial temporal artery and vein at risk.
Why is skin traction used?
Skin traction is used when the soft tissues, such as the muscles and tendons, need to be repaired. Less force is applied during skin traction to avoid irritating or damaging the skin and other soft tissues. Skin traction is rarely the only treatment needed.
Why is traction used?
Most often, traction uses devices such as weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint, such as a dislocated shoulder. The tension helps put the joint back in position and keep it still. Traction is also used to keep a group of muscles (such as the neck muscles) stretched to reduce muscle spasms.