"Preplacement" of the back of the halo vest in patients undergoing cervical traction for cervical spine injuries: a technical note.

BACKGROUND

In patients with unstable cervical spine injuries initially managed with in-line traction, there is some risk of loss of cervical alignment and of new neurologic deficit when the halo vest is applied. This report outlines a simple technique which facilitates halo application in these patients.

METHODS

The back of the halo vest is "prepositioned" before traction is instituted. Once alignment is optimized, halo vest application is easily completed without lifting the patient or discontinuing cervical traction.

RESULTS

The authors have used this technique in four patients without complication.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with unstable cervical spine injuries who require an initial period of in-line traction, halo vest application is made easier and safer by "prepositioning" the back of the vest.