Halo Brace

Overview

4 out of 5 (1 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Pharmacology Credits

0.0

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

2 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

The halo brace, also known as the halo vest immobilizer, is a device that restrains the cranium to the torso, offering the most rigid form of external immobilization for the upper cervical spine, particularly the occipitocervical and atlantoaxial junctions. Indications include definitive treatment of upper cervical spine trauma, followed by preoperative reduction of spinal deformities and postoperative adjuvant stabilization. The halo brace has undergone advancements since 1959 and is now utilized for various purposes, including as a definitive treatment for specific upper cervical spine injuries. A halo brace application is usually performed in an operating room under the supervision of a physician-led clinical team. This method involves specific procedural steps, which differentiates it from other cervical spine immobilization methods.

Although this technique demonstrates an approximate success rate of 85%, the effectiveness of the halo brace hinges on appropriate indication, application, and management. Although there are inherent risks associated with utilizing halo braces in older populations, they can still be used cautiously in both adult and pediatric patients by using additional pins and applying less insertion torque force to accommodate variations in skull thickness. Despite these considerations, halo braces have been used to treat cervical spine injuries and deformities effectively. This activity reviews the indications, techniques, complications, and clinical significance of the halo brace while also highlighting the roles of the interprofessional healthcare team in evaluating and treating patients undergoing a halo vest immobilizer procedure. This collaborative approach among healthcare professionals aims to reduce complications, address comorbidities, and decrease overall mortality rates.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify appropriate indications for halo brace application, including upper cervical spine trauma, preoperative reduction of spinal deformities, and postoperative stabilization.

  • Implement proper techniques for halo brace application in an operating room setting, adhering to sterile procedures and pin placement protocols.

  • Assess patient suitability for halo brace immobilization through a comprehensive examination and medical history evaluation, particularly regarding respiratory status and age-related risks.

  • Collaborate with specialists and other healthcare professionals to manage complications or suspected infections associated with halo brace immobilization, thereby ensuring coordinated care and follow-up.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Elizabeth S. on 12/3/2023

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