Skull Traction Treatment in India

Sneha Roy, a 42-year-old high school...

Sneha Roy, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, was an avid runner. During a morning jog, she slipped on wet pavement, fell, and struck her head and neck. She arrived at the ER with severe neck pain, numbness in her fingers, and weakness in her arms. Imaging revealed a fracture and dislocation of her C5 and C6 vertebrae, compressing her spinal cord. The neurosurgeon explained that immediate stabilization was critical to prevent permanent nerve damage and that skull traction was the first, essential step. It would gently realign her spine. The application of the halo device was frightening and uncomfortable. Sneha felt trapped and claustrophobic, confined to her bed, staring at the ceiling. The constant pull was a strange, heavy sensation. Over the next five days, serial X-rays showed gradual, perfect realignment. The traction was removed, and she underwent a spinal fusion surgery. After months of intensive rehab, she regained nearly full strength and sensation. Her emotional journey was from sheer terror, worrying she'd never hug her children or teach again, to profound gratitude. The traction, though harrowing, was the foundation of her recovery, and she now leads a patient support group for spinal injury survivors.