[Halo fixation for injuries of the cervical spine]

The authors present the treatment of 16 serious cervical spine fractures by halo traction with the restoration of anatomic condition and significant improvement of the neurological state. The authors describe the technical equipment of their own construction, the method and advantages of the treatment. The results achieved have proved that the halo traction considerably improves the possibilities of the conservative treatment of cervical spine injuries. With reliable fixation in the anatomic position it promotes more rapid mobilization of the patient and substantially reduces the period of hospitalization.