Halo Vest

A halo is a metallic ring fitted into the skull with screws.  It is connected to a thermoplastic vest with four metallic uprights. It provides a semi-rigid external support for the spinal bones in the neck.

We use it occasionally in cases with:

1. Neck fractures
2. TB Spine in the neck
3. Rheumatoid arthritis of the upper neck bones
4. Ankylosing spondylitis involving the neck
5. C1-2 fractures

Even though it is bulky and cumbersome, it acts as a rescue option where other methods of internally fixing the spine (by operation) may not work and in some cases to avoid an operation on the neck. Occasionally, a halo may replace a simple collar when we feel more rigid immobilization is required for a neck fracture.