Ljunggren A E, Weber H, Larsen S
Scand J Rehabil Med. 1984;16(3):117-24.
Forty-nine patients with lumbago-sciatica and prolapsed lumbar intervertebral discs, comparable concerning anamnestical and clinical data were randomized for autotraction and manual traction given by the same therapist for a period of one week while strict bed rest was prescribed. A blind overall assessment performed immediately after the traction period, after two weeks follow-up training and three months after hospitalization showed that the two traction modalities are equally efficient. As treatment for hospitalized patients with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapses the relatively simple manual traction variety should be preferred, if any. Traction is suggested to be used as a prognostical aid. Pain intensity was significantly reduced in all body parts. About one fourth of patients avoided operation. After two years there was no recurrence of symptoms.
49例患有腰腿痛和腰椎间盘突出症的患者，根据病史和临床资料进行匹配，由同一名治疗师对其进行自动牵引和手动牵引，为期一周，同时规定严格卧床休息。在牵引期结束后、两周的随访训练后以及住院三个月后立即进行的盲法综合评估显示，两种牵引方式同样有效。作为腰椎间盘突出症住院患者的治疗方法，如果需要牵引的话，相对简单的手动牵引应优先选用。建议将牵引作为一种预后辅助手段。所有身体部位的疼痛强度均显著降低。约四分之一的患者避免了手术。两年后症状未复发。
