Overdistraction of cervical spinal injuries?

Skeletal traction using skull tongs is an effective standard method of treating cervical vertebral fractures and dislocations. The effects of such traction on the cervical spine are unpredictable, since the degree of soft-tissue damage associated with bony injury varies and therefore cannot be accurately assessed. Traction is potentially harmful to the injured spinal cord. The importance of careful evaluation of the subtle radiological signs of cervical soft-tissue injury, and close radiographic monitoring of patients undergoing skeletal traction, are stressed.