My articles tend to be related directly to decompression science and clinical methodologies, but this article addresses what is soon to be a major shakeup for many traction/decompression clinics.

Those utilizing the ubiquitous exposed "scissor/hinged"-type lift mechanisms (especially with a floor control switch) may be subject to an FDA reconfiguration/modification (or open recall) of the equipment.

A tragedy almost beyond comprehension has recently rocked the chiropractic world. As is so often the case, accidents have many victims, not the least of whom can be the person(s) perceived to be responsible. The following information, though too late for the victim and their family, may save many of us using this type of equipment the unspeakable pain and legal devastation lack of diligence toward safety can bring.

On June 10, a woman being treated on a St. Paul, Minn. DC's Chattanooga Group DTS decompression table (TRT-600) was lowered onto her playful and curious 18-month-old son. The unregulated lowering power and weight of the table crushed the young boy, who suffered major head trauma beyond resuscitation. The woman was receiving an unattended traction session while her three children played in the room in close proximity to the table.

When the child entered the undersection of the table, he obviously activated the floor switch and created the deadly sequence of events. The young mother, who was strapped into the table with a belt system that features a double ring-loop cinch with no quick-release mechanism, could not free herself and then screamed in an effort to get help, but was unable to stop the table from crushing her son. No safety mechanism is available for the patient to control the vertical movement of the table, even if the motor's safety shut-off is activated. There is also no shut-off switch if the table encounters resistance on its downward travel (such as seen in garage door motors, which immediately stop and elevate when pressured upon closing).

This "scissor-lift" type of mechanism is certainly no stranger to the chiropractic profession. However, traction tables may acutely expose us to the dangers and safety shortfalls of this type of mechanism since many, many DCs leave their traction patients unattended. 97012 (CPT code: traction, mechanical) requires only "in office" supervision, not constant attention.

Many tables that elevate vertically utilize an ultimately safer option of an enclosed single- (or dual-) pedestal column. The reduction of scissored/hinged metal pinch-points eliminates the potential of the recent tragedy. Why certain lift-mechanisms are chosen may come down to cost, production time and materials available to the manufacturer.

FULL STORY