Halo Care

A halo brace is a traction device used to stabilize the head and neck after a cervical fracture or dislocation.  It is also used to stabilize the cervical spine, or to correct its alignment.  It is comprised of a circular piece adhered to the skull with four pins, which is attached with rods to a vest.  The interior of the vest has a removable sheep skin liner which should be changed once a week or as needed. The skin inside the vest should be kept clean and dry to prevent pressure ulcers from forming. It is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure that the device doesn’t become loosened so that stability isn’t compromised.

One major objective of nursing care for a patient with a halo is promotion of skin integrity. The pin sites should be carefully monitored and some hospitals’ policies include prophylactic use of betadine or antibiotic ointment application

 

Halo pin-associated brain abscesses are rare but an extremely important complication requiring prompt diagnosis and immediate intervention.  If left untreated the patient can easily acquire Staphylococcus aureus which must be treated with intravenous vancomycin for 6 weeks.

Patients in a halo traction cannot move their head from side to side, often a hand mirror is provided to increase peripheral vision.