Overview

4 out of 5 (1 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

2 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

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.

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

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE 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.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Elizabeth S. on 12/3/2023

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