Has the spinal cord been decompressed?

The spinal cord injury usually results from fracture of vertebral bones that compress the spinal cord. Continued spinal cord compression increases tissue damage and reduces functional recovery. If the neck or cervical segments are fractured, traction may straighten out and decompress the vertebral column. Chest or thoracic fractures cannot be decompressed by traction. Surgery may be necessary to decompress and stabilize the spinal cord.