How long does a halo brace stay on?

The ring is attached by four bars to a stiff, lightweight vest that fits around your chest. This keeps your neck and spine moving as one with your body so the spinal injury can heal. Most people wear a halo for 6 to 12 weeks. You can expect your neck and back to feel stiff or sore at first.

What is Halo stabilization device?

A halo-vest is a brace that is used to immobilize and protect the cervical spine and neck after surgery or accident. The halo is a ring that surrounds the head and is attached by pins to the outer portion of the skull; however, some Halos are pinless but are only used in certain situations.

How do you sleep with a halo brace?

Sleeping in a Halo Nighttime suggestions include sleeping in a reclining chair and lying on the back with a small pillow or foam wedge. Eventually, sleeping on a side or on the stomach may be possible. When getting up, it is important to not sit upright and bend at the waist.

How much does a halo brace cost?

And a halo device, which has a metal or graphite ring that attaches to the head, with metal rods connecting it to a vest, can be used for an unstable cervical fracture and costs about $2,800.

Can you drive with a halo on?

Do not drive a vehicle or ride a bike while you wear your halo brace. You also may have limits on heavy lifting and exercise.

What happens after halo brace is removed?

Once the halo is removed, your child may need to wear a collar for some time, as recommended by the surgeon. While your child may be completely healed at this time, the collar offers additional protection from overusing the neck and serves as a transition to normal use.

How much does a halo brace weigh?

The halo vest weighs about 5 to 7 pounds (as much as a small bag of flour). It should fit snugly (you should be able to fit one hand between the vest and your abdomen or belly area). Don’t loosen or adjust the halo vest by yourself. Talk to your doctor if you think it needs to be adjusted.

Is the halo vest an effective method of cervical spine immobilization?

Occasionally physical therapy is helpful in alleviating the problem. In conclusion, the halo vest is an excellent method of cervical spine immobilization that is acceptable to most patients. Side effects and complications are generally mild, if they occur at all, and rates of healing for many cervical spine injuries are excellent.

What is the purpose of a halo after cervical fusion surgery?

At times a halo is needed to stabilize the cervical spine after surgery. The role of the halo is to hold the spine immobile until the fusion matures.

What is the function of the cervical stabilizer apparatus?

This apparatus provides continuous stability to the cervical spine while simultaneously allowing the patient to be comfortable and mobile.

How are the Halo pins placed in orbit fixation?

Fixation of the halo to a patient’s head relies on a series of four titanium “pins” which are equally spaced around the ring. After injection of a local anesthetic, the pins are placed in tight connection with the head at two locations on each side (generally over the ridge of the orbit and just behind the ear).