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.