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A new halo-pelvic apparatus.
Kenneth M C Cheung1, Eugene Y C Kwan, Keith Y K Chan
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, Hong Kong.
Spine
|February 5, 2003
Summary
A modified halo-pelvic apparatus offers effective spinal immobilization for severe deformities when internal fixation is not possible. This versatile device utilizes existing external fixation equipment for easier application and adjustment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Spinal instrumentation
Background:
- Halo-pelvic fixation has historical success in correcting severe spinal deformities like tuberculous kyphosis.
- Modern spinal instrumentation has reduced the need for external immobilization.
- Cases requiring external immobilization persist when internal fixation is not feasible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, versatile halo-pelvic apparatus for spinal immobilization.
- To demonstrate the construction of a halo-pelvic fixation apparatus through simple modifications of existing external fixation devices.
Main Methods:
- The study reports on a new halo-pelvic apparatus for spinal immobilization.
- Standard techniques were used for halo-skull and pelvis fixation.
- A custom halo connection bar linked the halo to the pelvis external fixator.
Main Results:
- The apparatus was successfully applied to three patients with severe tuberculous kyphosis (>100 degrees) between 1997 and 2001.
- The device effectively stabilized the spines of these patients.
Conclusions:
- A simple modification of existing external fixation equipment enabled the creation of a new halo-pelvic device.
- This novel device proved effective for spinal immobilization in complex cases.