The Efficacy of Local Built Khon Kaen Mobile Traction Unit (KK-MTU) to Assist Decompression, Reduction and Fixation in a Spondylolisthesis Operation
Prasit Hanpinitsak MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopedics, Khon Kaen Hospital, Khon Kaen
Objective : To identify the usefulness of using a locally built Khon Kaen Mobile Traction Unit (KK-MTU) to
assist clarification of anatomy of the spines, decompression of cauda equina and spinal nerve roots, posterior
relocation of the diseased spines, application of pedicular screws and fixation of the spines in anterior
spondylolisthesis surgery.
Material and Method: Fifty patients with spondylolisthesis had surgery from orthopedic surgeons that used
the KK-MTU in a clinical trials phase to assist the operation at the Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Khon
Kaen Hospital, between January 6, 2006 and February 11, 2008.
Results : Outcomes of spondylolisthesis surgery in 50 patients with the application of this equipment suggests
that the operation time and blood loss can be reduced because of the reduction of abdominal pressure. The
surgeons also stated that the unit helped to clarify the anatomy of the spines. Moreover, it can ease complications
that might arise during the operation due to its facilitated decompression, fixation, and application of other
instruments during the surgeries.
Conclusion : Newly locally built KK-MTU could facilitate orthopedic surgeries by clarifying the anatomy,
reducing, decompressing, and having tools fixed for spondylolisthesis surgery.
Keywords : Khon Kaen Mobile Traction Unit (KK-MTU), Spondylolisthesis surgery, Continuous traction, Spine reduction, Decompression, Fixation
