The Injured Cervical Spine

Abstract

Optimal management of cervical spine injuries requires immediate immobilization, then reduction, stabilization, early ambulation, and decreased time in bed. The halo skeletal fixation instrument provides a convenient means of exerting immediate traction in the acute stage and skeletal fixation during the chronic stage while bony repair and union are occurring. It offers numerous advantages over the more traditional skull tong traction and extended bed rest, the most salient of which are patient comfort and safety. Its application and maintenance are simple, complications of its use are infrequent and minor, and hospitalization time is markedly reduced.