Radiographic Analysis of Intervertebral Separation With a 0° and 30° Rope Angle Using the Saunders Cervical Traction Device

Abstract

The research findings may have treatment implications when applying cervical traction with the SCTD. Further research using subjects with cervical nerve root compression will need to be conducted to substantiate clinical outcomes.

Comparison of the intervertebral disc spaces between axial and anterior lean cervical traction

“…Considering the reliability tests within and between examiners in the present study, the ICCs for measuring the intervertebral disc spaces were consistent with those in the previous studies [7,34]. Our percentage of relative errors in measuring the disc heights among segments (2.1%-3.2%) was similar to the measurement error in the study by Frobin et al [7].…”

“…Previous researches suggested that traction forces of 11-16 kg were necessary to elicit a measurable change in cervical spine structures [3,32,36,37]. The sustained traction was usually applied to the disc herniation patients with a time period from 2 to 20 min depending on their conditions, and the 3-5 min was often suggested for the first treatment [22,32,34]. Therefore, the cervical traction force was adjusted to 25% of individual body weight for a 5 min continuous traction in our experiments.…”

“…The methods used in the identification of vertebral landmarks and definition of disc spaces were basically the same for both experiments. Vaugh et al [34] reported a slightly lower inter-rater reliability of 0.887 for intervertebral space measurements. One possible * P \ 0.05 compared between the baseline measurement and anterior lean traction Fig.…”

Multiple Impulse Therapy and Saunders Lumbar Traction Methods in the Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…When the X-ray findings were compared before and after traction, they revealed the increase of intervertebral disc space. There was also observed the improvement of functional ability of the examined patients on the basis of the NDI Questionnaire (Neck Disability Index Questionnaire) [24,25].…”

“…Many patients reported malaise during a few minutes' session. These were usually patients with obesity or those with gastrointestinal symptoms [1,8,25]. It seems that the need to fasten the patient with stabilization belts can further contribute to the development of these particular problems.…”