FRACTURE-DISLOCATION OF THE THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE - ADVANTAGES OFHALO-BIFEMORAL TRACTION

Thoracic and lumbar fracture-dislocations with 100% spinal column disp lacement are uncommon injuries that usually have associated neurologic injury. Severe spinal malalignment and instability can result in bloo d loss, tenting of skin and, severe pain. Four patients with thoracic or lumbar fracture-dislocations were initially treated and reduced wit h halo-bifemoral traction. Fracture reduction with halo-bifemoral trac tion decreased pain, controlled instability, relieved skin pressure, a nd prevented the need for acute surgical intervention. In addition, us e of halo-bifemoral traction allowed for the resolution of spinal shoc k, allowed time for complete presurgical planning, and simplified the reduction portion of the operative procedure, thereby reducing operati ve time and blood loss.