Skull traction and its complications.

The complications of skull traction seen in a Spinal Injuries Unit over a 7-year period are reviewed. The application of skull calipers, generally thought to be a minor procedure in the initial treatment of cervical spine injuries, led to complications in 37.3 per cent of patients. The complication rate was lowest using the Cone caliper, which when inserted as described, had a complication rate of 6.25 per cent. Attention to detail in the application of skull calipers is essential, and the procedure must not be considered trivial. The Cone caliper is recommended for the initial treatment of traumatic tetraplegia.