1-35
1-35. CERVICAL SKELETAL TRACTION
a. Crutchfield or Vinke tongs are used for skeletal traction in the treatment of fractures of the cervical spine. The tong points are inserted in the parietal area of the skull (just in the outer layers of the bone) and the tong is then attached to the pulling device. The procedures may be done under local anesthesia in the operating room or on the ward. With skeletal skull traction, the nursing care of the patient is usually less difficult than when a halter is used--the patient's head and face are relatively free of pressure and some turning in a "log-roll" fashion may be permissible for back care and bed making.
b. Prepare the bed as for cervical halter traction. Use an alternating pressure mattress, if one is available,
when the patient is in a conventional bed. The patient in tong traction may be immobilized for a long period of time, so he may be placed on a Foster frame.
c. As with cervical halter traction, feed the patient slowly and with great care. Allow plenty of time to chew and swallow. Keep suction equipment at the bedside for emergency use.
