title: The treatment of multiple myeloma of the cervical spine with a halo vest.
abstract: Two patients with multiple myeloma involving the cervical spine and causing instability were treated in a halo vest while radiotherapy and chemotherapy were instituted. Further instability and neurological loss were prevented while continuing this treatment. The bony lesions eventually healed and mechanical stability was restored in both patients. Temporary halo vest placement with concurrent chemo- and/or radiotherapy can be a reasonable and safe alternative to surgery in those patients with multiple myeloma involving the cervical spine, and often results in bone reconstitution and stability.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of California, San Diego 92103.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Abitbol
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Botte
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Garfin
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Akeson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed