Halo external fixation of nasal fractures

The halo, long in medical use for cervical traction, subsequently has been adapted as a method of external fixation for severe facial fractures. We have recently used a light-weight halo in four patients with severe mid-facial fractures and crushed nasal skeletons. External traction proved to be superior to any method we have previously used to support the repositioned nasal bones. We strongly recommend external traction for severe nasal fractures in which other methods may not give a complete and stable bony reduction.