TRACTION WITH DIFFERENT HEAD POSITIONS AND ITS EFFECT ON NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH DISCOGENIC CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

ABSTRACT
Traction angle is an essential factor influencing the outcomes of traction. The optimal angle has been determined via numerous trials; however, the effective traction angle has not been fully clarified. Objective :To examine how could various traction angles affect nerve root function in patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR). Forty-five patients with chronic discogenic CR of both sexes participated in this study. Patients were assigned into three equal groups. All 3 groups received static cervical traction but at different angles, Group (A) received it at angle 24º flexion, Group (B) at angle 15 º extensions while Group (C) at angle 0º (neutral position). Each group had a 20-minute traction period. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (DSSEPs) were assessed both before and after the traction to determine their peak to peak amplitude and latency.
There was a statistically significant difference in the peak-to-peak amplitude of DSSEPs in the extension traction group (B) compared to the other two groups. In group B, the percentage of change increased by 68.9% (f-value=26.144, p-value >0.005), while in group A (flexion), the percentage of change decreased by -29%, and in group C (neutral), it decreased by -13.9%. Additionally, no statistically significant variation in latency was seen for any of the groups in this study. Extension traction angle is an effective traction angle in patients with chronic discogenic cervical radiculopathy as it improves the nerve root function.