Gardner tongs and cervical traction.

Treatment of cervical spine injuries dates from 4000 B.C.; however, the development of safe and effective methods of cervical traction did not appear until the 20th century. Although many devices have been introduced to stabilize the cervical spine, the invention of spring-loaded tongs by Gardner in 1973 was a significant technological advance. Gardner tongs are easily applied, have little tendency to become dislodged, and cause few complications.