Technical note. Device to facilitate MR imaging of patients in skeletal traction.

MR imaging is increasingly used for the evaluation of patients with acute spinal injury because of its ability to noninvasively demonstrate parenchymal alterations involving the spinal cord as well as alterations involving surrounding osseous, soft-tissue, and ligamentous structures [1-4). The presence of epidural hematomas, disk herniation, or other epidural structural alterations that may cause narrowing of the cord or effacement of nerve root sleeves can be readily appreciated . Early demonstration of changes in cord contour or MR signal intensity is increasingly important for patient management and for continuing investigative studies. The beneficial effect of early large doses of methylprednisolone in selected patients with acute spinal cord injury has recently been demonstrated [5]. There have also been recurrent indications that early mechanical stabilization and relief of cord compression may contribute to improved quality of long-term survival [6-8). Initial management of patients with acute spinal injury may require placement of spinal traction for reduction and maintenance of satisfactory alignment. A system that permits safe and efficient MR imaging of patients with acute spinal injury while in traction has been devised and is the subject of this report.