The halo fixator

The halo fixator may be used for the definitive treatment of cervical spine trauma, preoperative reduction in the patient with spinal deformity, and adjunctive postoperative stabilization following cervical spine surgery. Halo fixation decreases cervical motion by 30% to 96%. Absolute contraindications include cranial fracture, infection, and severe soft-tissue injury at the proposed pin sites. Relative contraindications include severe chest trauma, obesity, advanced age, and a barrel-shaped chest. In children, a computed tomography scan of the head should be obtained before pin placement to determine cranial bone thickness. Complications of halo fixation include pin loosening, pin site infection, and skin breakdown. A concerning rate of life-threatening complications, such as respiratory distress, has been reported in elderly patients. Despite a paucity of contemporary data, recent retrospective studies have demonstrated acceptable results for halo fixation in managing some upper and lower cervical spine injuries.     

Complications of hinged external fixators of the elbow

Despite the growing use of hinged external fixators of the elbow, there are no studies regarding the complications associated with their application. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with complications with this procedure. Between 1998 and 2005, we reviewed the records of 100 consecutive patients who were treated with hinged external fixators (including 433 pin sites). Complications specifically related to pin placement were recorded. There were 15 patients with minor complications (15%) involving 21 pins (4.8%) and 10 patients with major complications (10%) involving 29 pins (6.7%). Minor complications included local erythema and nonpurulent drainage lasting greater than 5 days in 9 patients (21 pins) and the need for skin release to decrease tension adjacent to pins in 6 patients (9 pins). Major complications included purulent pin site drainage in 1 patient (2 pins), fixator malalignment in 1, pin loosening in 4 (11 pins), and deep infection in 4. There were no fractures around the pin sites or nerve injuries associated with pin placement. With care, articulated external fixators can be used without a high incidence of major complications. Most of the complications were attributed to local pin site infection. Factors clinically associated with an increased risk of deep infection include a history of prior procedures in the post-traumatic elbow and the complexity of the operative technique.     

General theory and principles of external fixation

Starting with a review of the capabilities and main complications of external fixators, this paper shows how advances made during the past two decades have rendered the method safe, reliable, and predictable. Improved component designs, new techniques of pin care, the discovery of three basic concepts that govern the safe and effective application of pin and ring fixators, and the recognition that preoperative and long-term planning are crucial to the success of the method have made external fixation the most adaptable, versatile, and gentle method for stabilizing complex injuries of soft tissue and bone.     

Brain abscess and generalized seizure caused by halo pin intracranial penetration: case report and review of the literature

The objective of our study is to report a rare complication of halo pin insertion associated with an epileptic seizure and brain abscess, and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to its management. The treatment of unstable cervical spine injuries with a halo vest is an established procedure. Complications of pin penetration such as brain abscess and seizure are rare, and need to be urgently treated. Intracranial abscess and seizure associated with the use of the halo device is an unusual complication, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. A 21-year-old male had a halo vest placed for the management of an odontoid type II fracture, which he sustained from a motor vehicle accident. Ten weeks after halo ring placement he complained of headaches which relieved by analgesics. After 2 weeks he was admitted at the emergency unit in an unconscious condition after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The halo pins were displaced during the seizure and were removed at his admission. No drainage was noted from the pin sites, and a Philadelphia cervical collar was applied. A brain CT and MRI revealed intracranial penetration of both posterior pins and a brain abscess in the right parietal lobe. Computed tomography of the cervical spine revealed stable fusion of the odontoid fracture. Cultures from the pin sites were negative; however, intravenous wide spectrum antibiotic treatment was administered to the patient immediately for 4 weeks followed by oral antibiotics for additional 2 weeks. Anti-epileptic medication was also started at his admission. The patient was discharged from the hospital in 6 weeks without symptoms, continuing anti-epileptic medication. On the follow-up visits he had fully recovered without any neurologic sequelae. In conclusion, complications of halo pin penetration are rare which need immediate intervention. Any neurologic or infectious, local or generalized, symptom need to be investigated urgently with available imaging techniques and treated promptly. Pin over-tightening may cause bone penetration and possible deep cranial infection with serious complications.     

Prevention and Management of Complications Arising from External Fixation Pin Sites

The use of external fixation devices to assist in the management of lower extremity trauma and reconstruction continues to rise. Despite the distinct advantages of external fixation, complications from external fixators continue to exist. The complicated external fixator–associated pin site may be a potential source of significant morbidity, especially in the at-risk patient, which may lead to soft tissue healing problems and infections, as well as osteomyelitis. This article describes both simple as well as more complex techniques that the authors use in the prevention and management of complications arising from external fixator pin sites, and solutions to the difficult task of incorporating external fixator wires into negative-pressure dressings.     

Complications of halo treatment for cervical spine injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis--report of three cases

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis are prone to injuries of the cervical spine even with minor trauma. Although the fractures are markedly unstable, nonsurgical treatment using a halo-thoracic plaster or jacket is a common approach. METHODS: We present three patients with cervicothoracic fractures of the ankylosed spine to describe problems and complications inherent in this type of treatment. In two, pin track infections and pin protrusion through the skull occurred, leading in one case to an intracerebral hemorrhage. In the third patient, the halo had to be removed after 8 months, just early enough to prevent the pins from cutting through. RESULTS: One patient required craniotomy. The second one could be resolved by local revision. In the third case, the fracture eventually united after using a stiff collar for 2 years. CONCLUSION: Halo treatment for cervical spine fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is a challenging task for orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.     

Asymptomatic brain abscess as a complication of halo orthosis: Report of a case and review of the literature

The halo external orthosis has been used extensively for cervical immobilization after spine surgery or trauma, usually without serious complications. However, nine brain abscesses have been reported as complications following the use of halo orthosis. We report on a 53-year-old man who underwent anterior cervical fusion for cervical myelopathy, followed by the application of a halo orthosis. Approximately 4 weeks postfusion, loosening of the right anterior pin was recognized and the pin was tightened, as the pin-site was clean. One week later, purulent material was discharged from the pin hole when the pin was removed after it had loosened again. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an abscess on the right side of the brain. After the administration of antibiotics, the abscess resolved without surgical intervention. We describe asymptomatic brain abscess complicating the use of a halo orthosis and review the clinical features, symptoms, and outcomes; we also discuss the mechanism that induced brain abscess. Most reported cases of abscess have been associated with pin-site infection or tightening after late pin loosening. The present case indicates the importance of early recognition of symptoms and signs associated with brain abscess in patients with a halo orthosis. Received for publication on June 22, 1998; accepted on Aug. 28, 1998     

Comparison of halo complications in adults and children

A retrospective analysis of 128 patients who underwent halo vest application for a variety of cervical spine problems was undertaken to determine complications associated with its use. Ninety-three (72%) were available for review. In comparison with a recent report, the complication rate was much lower. Only 8% of adults had major problems, consisting of pin tract infection and significant pin loosening requiring replacement. However, 39% (5 of 13) children had major problems. This report details our method of halo application and follow-up care.     

多爪钳夹式颈椎固定器的生物力学测试及临床应用

目的　提高颈椎内固定的效果。方法　自行设计一种新型的脊柱固定器 (MCSF)。经临床治疗下颈椎损伤 15例 ,并用10具新鲜尸体脊柱标本 (C1～T1)进行力学测定 ,比较MCSF、关节突钢板及正常脊柱的生物力学特性。结果　在抗轴向压缩、弯曲及旋转应力方面 ,MCSF明显优于关节突钢板及正常脊柱。而临床应用显示术后颈椎的生理曲线和伤椎高度完全得到恢复 ,平均随访时间 2 4 3个月 ,未见固定器松脱及畸形矫正度丢失现象。结论　MCSF符合生物力学原理 ,有良好的固定作用 ,手术操作安全简便 ,是颈椎后路理想的固定器之一 ,值得推广应用     

Operationsverfahren zur Stabilisierung der oberen Halswirbelsäule

The options for surgical treatment of injuries to the upper cervical spine have increased considerably in recent years. A distinction can be made between two forms of surgical stabilization. Techniques of osteosynthesis serve to reconstruct the injured structure with the goal of maintaining mobility of the upper cervical spine. A spondylodesis, that can be performed at the atlantoaxial or occipitoatlantoaxial joint, aims to stabilize the upper cervical spine by fusion techniques. This article describes the surgical procedures for both treatment principles with regard to the indications, techniques, and complications.     

Acrylic stabilization of the cervical spine for neoplastic disease: evolution of a technique for vertebral body replacement

The resection of collapsed cervical vertebral bodies affected by malignant lytic lesions often requires innovative methods for stabilization. Over the years, immediate stabilization of the cervical spine has been achieved with acrylic bridges, preformed metallic placement bodies, fibular strut grafts, and other aids. Because acrylic bonds poorly to adjacent bony structures, techniques to assure the adequate fixation of an acrylic bridge between resected vertebral bodies are needed. The possible progression of disease in adjacent bone prompts us to maximize the amount of internal fixation with rods or pins to assure stability. Lasting stability has become more important as the longevity of cancer patients has been increased by multimodality therapy. We report our technique for treating cancer patients with acrylic and pin fixation of the cervical spine after vertebral body excision by the anterior route. Certain modifications of the technique may have advantages over previously reported procedures. Our series of six cases demonstrates the evolution of a technique that allows relatively rapid and easy decompression of the cervical spinal cord and provides immediate stability of the cervical spine. Our indications and contraindications for this procedure are also discussed.     

Routine removal of external fixators without anesthesia

OBJECTIVE: To examine the degree of discomfort experienced by patients with routine removal of all external fixators without anesthesia. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Outpatient clinic and hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 106 consecutive patients for whom removal of external fixators was indicated. INTERVENTION: External fixators were removed without anesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) following external fixator removal and patients' reported willingness to repeat the procedure without anesthesia. RESULTS: Patients with pin site inflammation had a significantly higher VAS (4.82 vs. 2.92, P < 0.0001). The chi test revealed that pin site inflammation was less common with wrist spanning fixators than with lower extremity and pelvic fixators. No correlation existed between age, site of fixator, closed head injury, use of olive wires, or the duration of fixation and VAS. In all, 95 of 106 patients (89.6%) responded yes when asked if they would undergo removal of their fixator again without anesthesia. Despite the association between inflamed pin sites and a higher VAS, in 84% (37/44) of the cases with inflamed pin sites, the patient would choose to undergo fixator removal without anesthesia again. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of external fixators without anesthesia is well tolerated by the great majority of patients. Inflammation at pin sites is associated with a higher degree of discomfort during external fixator removal. Despite the higher pain score, most patients with pin-site inflammation report that they would repeat the procedure without anesthesia.     

Complications of temporary and definitive external fixation of pelvic ring injuries

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of complications of external fixation in pelvic ring injuries, comparing fixator use for temporary and definitive treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective case-note review. SETTING: A regional centre for pelvic trauma in the UK. PATIENTS: 100 consecutive patients. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with pelvic external fixation for a pelvic ring injury. RESULTS: In 52 patients, external fixation was intended for use as the definitive treatment of the pelvic ring injury and was maintained for a mean duration of 60 days (17-113). In 48 patients, it was used temporarily for a mean duration of 8 days (1-20) before internal fixation of the pelvic ring. The complication rate for definitive and temporary fixators was 62 and 21%, respectively. Pin-site infection occurred in 50% of definitive fixators and 13% of temporary fixators but rarely led to more serious complications. In five patients, the definitive management was changed as a result of a complication of the external fixator. The commonest cause for revision of either fixator was aseptic pin loosening. Revision for loose pins in eight patients was associated with the use of two pins in each iliac crest rather than three. CONCLUSIONS: The temporary use of external fixation is safe and effective, but use for definitive treatment is associated with a high rate of infection and aseptic pin loosening.     

Complications in cervical spine surgeries

Complications in cervical spine surgeries can occur infrequently; however, these adverse events can be catastrophic. Each approach to the cervical spine has its own unique set of complications that can occur. Pre-operative planning, vigilance intraoperatively, and careful postoperative care can help avoid complications and allow early detection of adverse events that can prevent long-term sequelae. Both anterior and posterior surgical approaches consistently offer great results, each approach can be technically demanding, and surgeons should be familiar with the appropriate techniques and possible complications.     

A halo jacket for stabilisation of the paediatric cervical spine

Summary 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 external support is generally preferred. Our experience of halter traction and Minerva casts is that they either fail to achieve stability or are poorly tolerated. Halo pins are associated with significant pin tract complications in children. The technique for application of a plaster halo jacket is presented, together with the results of its use in eight children. Attention is drawn to the ease of application, tolerance by the patients and absence of significant complications.     

Pin tract infection with contemporary external fixation: how much of a problem?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of pin tract infection.DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center in an urban community. PATIENTS: A total of 285 patients with 285 fractures over a 4-year period (1997-2001). INTERVENTION: External fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Incidence of pin tract infection. RESULTS: Of 285 fractures, 32 (11.2%) were complicated by infection. The incidence of infection according to montage was 3.9% (3/77) for ring fixators, which was significantly different (P < 0.04) from the 12.9% incidence (23/178) for unilateral fixators and the 20.0% incidence (6/30) for hybrid fixators (P = 0.004). The incidences of pin tract infection for the unilateral fixator group and the hybrid fixator group were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hybrid external fixators had a similar risk of pin tract infection as patients who had unilateral fixators. The infection rate in the ring fixator group was significantly lower than the hybrid external and unilateral fixator groups.     

下颈椎内固定治疗进展及问题探讨

本文介绍了下颈椎前路和后路使用各种器械进行内固定的最新方法,并对其中常见的一些问题进行了探讨。颈椎前路钢板螺钉内固定系统可以明显提高植骨融合率,其并发症以内固定松动或失败最为常见,简要介绍了预防该并发症在操作时需注意的各种事项及方法。颈椎前路界面固定技术可以无须另外取自体髂骨或腓骨等进行植骨,避免了二次手术的并发症。人工椎间盘置换术可以避免融合后相邻节段的继发退变以及由此引起的新症状,最终疗效还需要大宗病例积累和长期随访结果证实。颈椎侧块螺钉内固定操作方法较多,但比较简单,固定可靠。对神经根、脊髓的损伤是其最重要的并发症,熟悉颈椎解剖可以避免这些并发症。颈椎椎弓根内固定技术是目前固定最为牢固的方法,操作比较困难,主要并发症是螺钉穿破椎弓根,术前仔细的影像学研究或使用导航技术,做到个体化置钉,可以有效提高置钉准确率。     

Anterior surgical treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a disease of the cervical spine causing spinal cord compression secondary to spondylosis or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Anterior surgical options include anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, cervical corpectomy, and cervical disc arthroplasty. The surgeon must choose the right surgical option to decompress the cord, restore cervical lordosis, and adequately stabilize the spine. Although these surgical procedures are considered to be highly successful, each one is associated with complications. One must exercise great care when performing anterior cervical surgery and discuss with each patient the risks and benefits of the procedures.     

Cervical total disc replacement, part I: rationale, biomechanics, and implant types

Cervical total disc replacement (TDR) is an attractive alternate to arthrodesis for management of disc degeneration and herniation in the cervical spine. Theoretic advantages of TDR include preservation of normal motion and biomechanics in the cervical spine and reduction of adjacent-segment degeneration. Other potential advantages include faster return to normal activity and elimination of the need for bone graft and associated donor site morbidity. This article introduces the rationale and various implant types available for cervical TDR. Part 2 of this series reviews the results and complications of specific implant designs.