Fratture e tumori del rachide cervicale:trattamento con Halo-Vest

In this paper we present our experience in the treatment of the unstable lesions of the cervical spine with the halo-vest. Thirty-three patients were treated during a time span of 15 years. Twenty-seven patients were male, six females; the age range varied between 12 and 82 years (mean age 47). 64% of the patients presented with a lesion of the lower spine (C3-C7) while 36% of the upper spine (C1-C2). The length of the treatment was between 8 and 24 weeks, with a mean time ranging from 12 to 16 weeks. At follow-up we reviewed 72% of the patients (60% of the living patients); 4 were deceased, of whom 3 during the treatment in halo; 2 were lost to follow-up. Specific parameters of radiographic and clinical evaluation were utilized. Seven patients (21%) presented with some neurologic involvement after trauma, disappeared after traction and reduction was done. The percentage of cured patients at 1 year from the treatment was 95%. Residual pain was present in 5 patients. In 13 patients we observed lack of full motion in rotation and lateral inclination of the cervical spine. No neurologic sequels were observed