Head halter traction is skin traction equivalent of spinal traction. Head halter traction is used in cervical ailments and injuries. It is usually used for shorter periods owing to discomfort it can cause.
Head Halter traction is of two types
Canvas type
This is most commonly used type of head halter traction. On part of the traction is slided under the head to rest on the occiput and other is rested on the chin.
A metal spreader hooks on to the two side pieces to avoid lateral compression of the soft tissues when traction is applied.
A cord from the metal spreader passes over a pulley fixed to the top of the bed or to a stand in case of traction applied in sitting position.
The cord is attached to the weights thta would provide traction. maximum weight that can be used is 1.5 – 2.5 kgs.
The head end of the bed must be raised to provide countertraction.
This kind of traction is dofficult for long times due to complications it can cause.
Crile Type
A padded metal bar resemblinfg horse collar is placed under occiput. Another padded portion is attached to the one put under occiput.
Advantage is that chin can be kept free
Spinal Traction
July 23, 2009 by Dr Arun Pal Singh (Edit)
Filed under Physiotherapy
Note: This article on traction relates to traction used in physiotherapy. For traction for acute problems, please refer to other article.
This is a stretching force applied in a longitudinal direction of the spine. Traction is supposed to separate vertebral bodies, stretches fibrous tissue, improve movements of facet joints, better drainage of fluid around the nerve roots, and improves circulation.
Traction is of two types – sustained and oscillatory. While sustained hold is used for injuries, root compression and muscle spasm, oscillatory is used for degenerative changes. [Read more]
Bisphosphonate Therapy Does Not Require Bone Mineral Density Monitoring Up to 3 Years After Starting
July 21, 2009 by Dr Arun Pal Singh (Edit)
Filed under Osteoporosis
In a recent online publication dated June 24th, a study has quoted in British Medical Journal that monitoring bone mineral density in postmenopausal women in the first 3 years after starting treatment with a potent bisphosphonate is not needed and may even be misleading. Bisphosphnates are very commonly prescribed for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
It is further reported that there is a difference in guidelines for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The US National Osteoporosis Foundation and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommend routine monitoring of bone mineral density within two years of starting treatment. The UK guidelines recommend that further research is needed and the North American guidelines recommend that treatment should not be stopped or changed because of a modest observed loss in density. [Read more]
Complications of Skin Traction
July 19, 2009 by Dr Arun Pal Singh (Edit)
Filed under Traction-Aids-Appliances
Skin traction is used where a smaller amount of force is required to correct the deformity. It may cause following complications
Skin Trauma
The skin is easily traumatized by this method and can cause various degrees of injury, from abrasion to partial-thickness skin loss.
If the elastic bandages are wrapped too tightly or unevenly, it may result in circulatory impairment and may lead to development of pressure area. This is especially true for bony and soft tissue prominences. [Read more]
What is Countertraction
July 18, 2009 by Dr Arun Pal Singh (Edit)
Filed under Traction-Aids-Appliances
Traction is
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[...] canvas head halter traction is often used to treat problems of the cervical spine that require only short-term immobilization. [...]