Halo

Halo
Basic components:
  • Halo ring
  • Distraction rods
  • Thermoplastic vest
Control Function:
  • Greatest control of all cervical orthoses
  • Rigid fixation of head to thorax
  • Provides distraction force that aides spinal stabilization and reduces load of the head on the cervical spine
Indications:
  • Gross instability and post-op stabilization of cervical vertebrae
  • Unstable cervical fracture

Motion Limited:

  • All cervical ROM

Nursing interventions:

  • Manually raise patient to a sittingĀ position then adjust head of bed up or down-do not have patient laying on bed while raising or lowier the head (could cause HALO to move from pressue of bed)
  • Check for skin break down:
    • under vest
      • Do not undo both the waist beltĀ  and the shoulder strap at the same time
    • on coccyx from sitting in chair
      • always use a seat cusion while in chair due to the added weight pressing down on coccxy
  • Pin Care
    • 1/2 strength peroxide and saline QD and PRN
      • document pin care completed
  • Wrench should always be attached to front of vest in case of emergency
    • document with assessment wrench availability

Halo Demonstration

Changing a Gown

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