Clinical, radiographic, and kinematic results from an adjustable four-pad halovest.
METHODS
Charts and radiographs of all patients treated with this halovest at one university hospital were reviewed retrospectively.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the outcomes from an adjustable four-pad halovest and to compare them with those from standard halovests, as previously published.


BACKGROUND
With standard halovests, there can be cervical motion up to 70% of normal values, substantial loads between the halo and vest, and complications of pin loosening, pin infections, and scapular pressure sores. The four-pad vest reduces halovest loads and vest-torso motions.


METHODS
The four-pad vest has four independently adjustable pads that completely avoid contact with the scapula, clavicle, and abdomen. Clinical records were analyzed to determine the incidences of halo pin loosening, pressure sores, injury or surgical site nonunion, and loss of cervical alignment. Lateral radiographs were taken with the patient in the upright and supine positions at various times to determine intervertebral rotations (flexion-extension).


RESULTS
The clinical results with the four-pad vest were at least as good as those for standard vests. Scapular pressure sores were prevented completely by the absence of vest-scapula contact. Kyphosis did not increase significantly with time. The mean segmental rotations were all 3 degrees or less and showed a smoothly decreasing pattern from C1-C2 to C6-C7. The value at Oc-C1 was opposite to that at C1-C2 and is the subject of further analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The rotations occurring with the four-pad vest are less than or equal to those occurring with standard vests, for overall cervical rotation and for individual motion segment rotations. This is consistent with the smaller halovest forces seen with this vest. Prospective, comparative testing will assess the clinical significance of these findings.
Tomonaga
T
T
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan.
Krag
M H
MH
Novotny
J E
JE
D000328:Adult; D001915:Braces; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*