Atlas and axis injuries role of Halovest
Abstract
Background: The literature regarding the different patterns of atlas and axis injuries and their appropriate management and the progressive development in the management of these injuries is scarce from our world, so we presenting here our experience of management of these injuries by applying Halovest.
Materials and Methods: Thirty patients (22 males, 8 females) with atlas and axis injuries were treated and then followed-up for an average of 24 months. The data was analysed with respect to type of injury and use of Halovest in the treatment of these injuries. The patients with neuro defecit were scored as per ASIA grading scale (from Grade A to Grade E).
Results: The halo-vest immobilization was used for a mean period of 12 ± 3weeks (range 9 to 15 weeks) for atlas and axis injuries. Four patients had neurodeficit. Two patients recovered from ASIA Grade C to ASIA Grade D. One patient improved from ASIA grade D to ASIA grade E while as one patient with neurodeficit was lost to follow up. No death or worsening of the neurodeficit was observed during the follow up period.
Conclusion: The clinical as well as radiological outcome of these injuries is mostly satisfactory with the conservative management using Halovest. More studies should be conducted to form the guidelines regarding patient selection for conservative management using halovest.
Key words: atlas fracture, axis fracture, upper cervical spine injuries, halovest
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).