Simple cervical spine traction using a halo vest apparatus: Technical note

BACKGROUND A halo vest apparatus, commonly used for external immobilization and protection of the cervical spine, offers several advantages. We present here a simple, accurate, easy, and safe cervical traction technique using a halo vest apparatus. METHODS The distinguishing feature of our technique is that, after application of a halo vest apparatus, the halo crown is distracted gradually and stepwise by turning the bilateral screw bolts that hold the halo crown over a period of one to several weeks. After each of these steps, care must be taken to check neurologic, radiologic, and skin conditions, as well as cranial pin tightening. CONCLUSSION This distance control technique can provide a strong and accurate traction force by simply turning the bolts without the risk of overdistraction or the need for bed rest, and can be used in conjunction with radiologic examination and transportation of patients, even those unable to walk. The Sugita head fixation system constitutes a safe and easy way to facilitate surgical management after correction of cervical dislocation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.