About Skull Traction
Key Highlights
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Provides immediate stabilization for unstable cervical spine injuries.Helps realign spinal fractures and dislocations to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.Can prevent further neurological damage in acute trauma settings.Often serves as a bridge to definitive surgical treatment.Allows for controlled adjustment of spinal alignment.
Who is this surgery for?
- Cervical spine fractures (e.g., from falls, motor vehicle accidents).
- Cervical spine dislocations or subluxations.
- Severe cervical spinal instability.
- Pre-operative stabilization before spinal fusion surgery.
- Certain cases of severe cervical degenerative disc disease with instability.
- Management of some spinal infections or tumors causing instability.
How to prepare
- Complete neurological examination and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scan, MRI).
- Review of patient's medical history and allergies, especially to local anesthetics.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
- Shaving and antiseptic cleaning of the scalp at the pin insertion sites.
- Administration of intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Sedation and local anesthesia at the pin sites.
- Positioning the patient supine on a specialized traction bed.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the pin insertion sites on the skull.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Pin loosening or migration.
- Nerve injury, though rare with careful placement.
- Over-distraction, potentially causing neurological worsening.
- Pressure sores from prolonged immobilization.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility.
- Discomfort or headache at pin sites.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Close monitoring in a hospital setting, often in an ICU or step-down unit.
- Regular neurological checks to assess for any changes.
- Daily cleaning and care of the pin sites to prevent infection.
- Management of pain with prescribed medications.
- Log-rolling technique for movement to maintain spinal alignment.
- Physical therapy to maintain limb strength and prevent complications.
- Transition to a cervical collar or halo vest, or preparation for definitive surgery.
- Follow-up imaging to assess alignment and healing progress.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: Varies significantly; initial stabilization takes days to weeks, but full recovery from the underlying injury may take several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering skull traction in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for skull traction in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform skull traction. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for skull traction compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 544 – USD 1,632 | 5-14 days | ~ Varies significantly; initial stabilization takes days to weeks, but full recovery from the underlying injury may take several months. | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 4,026 – USD 12,079 | 5-14 days | ~ Varies significantly; initial stabilization takes days to weeks, but full recovery from the underlying injury may take several months. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Skull Traction in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing skull traction.
At my age, you worry about...
At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.
Neurosurgeons for Skull Traction
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform skull traction and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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