Closed reduction of fracture-dislocation of the sub-axial cervical spine with Gardner-Wells tongs. Technical note

STUDY DESIGN: Technical note. PURPOSE: To provide a technical description of the placement of Gardner-Wells tongs and the performance of awake cranio-cervical traction to reduce AO type C injuries of the sub-axial cervical spine with Gardner-Wells tongs. METHODS: In this technical note, the authors present the indications, the contraindications, the pull-out of the pins, a detailed description of the technique for its proper placement, traction reduction technique, reduction maneuvers, complications and post-reduction care. RESULTS: Awake reduction of AO type C injuries of the sub-axial cervical spine can be successfully performed using Gardner-Wells tongs. CONCLUSIONS: There is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of cranio-cervical traction in these vertebral injuries; however, we lack a detailed technical note to guide its proper placement.