A device (10) is disclosed for applying traction to cervical vertebrae in order to reduce fracture dislocation of the cervical spine. The device (10) includes a mechanical load applying means (13) mounted on a support (30) carried on a post (11). A flexible load transmitting means (33) is adapted to be connected at one end to a patient under treatment and at the other end to the load applying means (13). The load applying means (13) and load transmitting means (33) allow a precise predetermined load to be applied to a patient that may be accurately increased or decreased while the device is in use without removing the load. A load measuring means (14) is arranged to read the load applied to the flexible load transmitting means (33). The device further includes mechanical adjustment means (12) for adjusting the height of the support (30) to adjust the angle that load is applied to the patient. The mechanical adjustment means (12) includes a housing (17) and means (19, 20, 22, 23, and 24) to provide positive controlled adjustment of the height while the load applying means (13) is in use. The length of the housing (17) is less than the length of the post (11).
