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Órgano Oficial de difusión científica de la Asociación Mexicana de Cirujanos de Columna A. C.

2026, Number 1

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Cir Columna 2026; 4 (1)

Effectiveness of closed reduction using craniocervical traction for traumatic cervical facet dislocation in an academic center: a pilot study

Ortiz-Lozano ND, Estévez-García IO, Zarate-Kalfopulos B, García-Ramos C, Alpizar-Aguirre A, Reyes-Sánchez A

Language: Spanish
References: 19
Page: 19-25
PDF size: 592.10 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: acute traumatic spinal cord injury resulting from cervical facet dislocation represents a significant physical, emotional, and economic burden for patients, their families, and society. Objective: this pilot study evaluates the efficacy of closed reduction using craniocervical traction in patients with subaxial cervical facet dislocation. Material and methods: the study included consecutive patients treated between January 2023 and February 2025 with a diagnosis of traumatic cervical subaxial cervical facet dislocation who underwent closed craniocervical traction reduction at a university academic center. Results: seventeen patients were included, of whom only 11 underwent closed reduction. Successful reduction rate was 90.9% with no additional neurological complications. Traction was performed under local anesthesia, with monitoring in the intensive care unit, and success was achieved even in late presentation cases (3-14 days after the injury). The most common complication was neck pain in 3 (27.3%) patients. Conclusions: craniocervical traction is an effective early therapeutic option with no reports of additional complications or neurological impairment associated with the procedure.


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