Intra-operative upper limb manual traction to improve radiographic view of the distal cervical spine

Abstract

We describe a method of applying upper limb manual traction during spinal surgery to improve the view of the seventh cervical vertebra when using a lateral cervical spine radiograph. Two non-adhesive skin traction kits are used, one attached to each arm. This allows traction to be applied during intermittent periods of the operation. This is a simple, cost-effective solution producing reliable comparable images, allowing the cervical spine to be viewed to the cervicothoracic junction. We report no instances of patient tissue or nerve plexus injury during its use.