Intracranial bleed complicating the use of Crutchfield tongs

Skeletal traction using the metal tongs attached to the skull is commonly used in the management of the fracture dislocation of the cervical spine. Rare complication of this procedure, the intracranial bleed has scantily being reported in the English literature. We report a case of such a complication in a 105 years old man who required Crutchfield application following fall. Presenting symptoms consisted of sudden deterioration of sensorium, with fatal outcome.