A HALO JACKET FOR STABILIZATION OF THE PEDIATRIC CERVICAL-SPINE

Stabilisation of the paediatric cervical spine may be necessary in the management of trauma, infection and deformity. Surgery is technically difficult due to the immaturity of the bony elements and therefore ex ternal support is generally preferred. Our experience of halter tracti on and Minerva casts is that they either fail to achieve stability or are poorly tolerated. Halo pins are associated with significant pin tr act complications in children. The technique for application of a plas ter halo jacket is presented, together with the results of its use in eight children. Attention is drawn to the ease of application, toleran ce by the patients and absence of significant complications.