[A preliminary study on the vertical traction weight of cervical kyphosis treated by bidirectional cervical traction].

Objective: To explore the optimal vertical traction weight, clinical efficacy, and safety of bidirectional cervical traction in the treatment of cervical kyphosis.

Methods: A total of 130 patients with neck pain and cervical kyphosis confirmed by cervical DR who visited the hospital from April 2023 to April 2024 were enrolled. They were divided into 4 groups according to the vertical traction weight accounting for 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of their body weight, respectively. The 5% body weight traction group included 33 cases (13 males and 20 females) with an average age of (34.00±10.58) years old;the 10% body weight traction group included 35 cases (17 males and 18 females) with an average age of (32.23±8.39) years old;the 15% body weight traction group included 32 cases (14 males and 18 females) with an average age of (33.88±10.09) years old;the 20% body weight traction group included 30 cases (11 males and 19 females) with an average age of (36.20±9.13) years old. Each group received treatment for 2 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI), and C₂-C₇ Cobb angle on cervical lateral X-ray films before and after treatment were recorded to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the 4 groups.

Results: When the traction weight was 10% and 15% of body weight, the pain VAS and NDI were significantly improved, and the C₂-C₇ Cobb angle increased, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05), and no adverse reactions occurred. However, in the 5% body weight group, the above indicators showed no significant changes, with no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). In the 20% body weight group, some patients could not tolerate the treatment, and adverse reactions such as dizziness, nausea, and aggravated neck pain occurred.

Conclusion: The optimal vertical traction weight of bidirectional cervical traction for cervical kyphosis is 10%-15% of body weight, which can effectively improve neck pain and cervical function, increase the C₂-C₇ Cobb angle of the cervical spine, with high safety, and is worthy of promotion and application.