Brain abscess as a complication of cranial traction.

A case of cerebral abscess developing as a late complication of cervical traction by means of Crutchfield tongs is reported and compared with 18 published cases of cerebral abscess after cranial traction with tongs or halo fixation. Penetration of the inner table by the pins of the tongs or halo unit seems to be the main cause of this complication. The literature is reviewed.