title: Evaluation of the efficiency of cervical orthoses on cervical fracture: A review of literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Various methods have been used to stabilize the vertebra in cervical fractures, including the use of various orthoses and surgery. However, it is not cleared which type of orthosis is more suitable for the subjects with cervical fractures to best immobilize the vertebra and to decrease the associated side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of various orthoses based on the available literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search was done in some databases include PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, EBSCO, Embasco, and Google Scholar. The search was done with some key words such as: Cervical spine injuries; odontoid fractures; hangman's fractures; axis fracture; axis, atlas, cervical fractures; trauma; neck fracture; neck injury in combination with cervical orthoses. The quality of the studies was evaluated by use of Downs and Black assessment and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) for original research and review articles, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the aforementioned key words, 25 papers were selected. The quality of the studies varies 10-24. Most of the studies were on the use of the halo vest orthosis, its side effects and also on complications associated with various orthoses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Halo orthoses provide a high degree of restriction and immobilization; however, there are some side effects associated with this orthosis, including swallowing, pin loosening, and infection. It should be emphasized that other types of orthoses fewer complications, with reasonable outputs on motion restrictions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Rehabilitation Faculty, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad Taghi
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Karimi
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Rehabilitation Faculty, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Mostafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kamali
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fatoye
keywords: Cervical; cervical fracture; fracture; motion restriction; orthosis; side effects