Using Your Halo Brace at Home Trauma
A halo is placed to hold your neck and the bones in a fixed position so your neck can heal and prevent further injury when you have dislocated or broken the bones (vertebrae) in your neck The halo is similar to a cast put on for a broken arm.
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How is the Halo placed?
There are two parts to the halo. The top part (halo ring) fits around your head. The halo ring is held in place by pins that fit into the bone in your head. The doctor will numb the areas in your head where the pins are placed. You will feel pressure while the pins are being placed and you may have some soreness there for 1-3 days.
The halo ring is attached to the bottom part (halo vest). The vest fits over your chest. You will wear the halo vest next to your skin under your clothes.
It takes about 1 hour to have the halo placed. You will wear the halo for about 12 weeks.
Wearing your Halo
Your Halo prevents unwanted motion in your neck. When you want to look in another direction, your head and trunk will turn as one. You will be able to do some normal activities by yourself. Ask your doctor for detailed guidelines and restrictions.
Skin care
Inspect your skin and wash under the halo vest daily.
1. Lie flat and turn onto your side.
2. Ask someone to help you loosen the straps on one side by your waist.
Inspect the skin under the vest. Wash the area with plain water and dry the
area completely before
closing the lower straps.
3. Be sure to fasten the strap at your waist.
4. Roll to the opposite side and repeat.
5. Do not ever loosen the shoulder straps.
6. Check all areas where the vest touches your skin for redness or irritation.
Showering
During the course of your Halo treatment, do not shower or get your Halo vest wet. Sponge baths are advised during this time. Clean your skin under the halo vest by carefully reaching under the vest with a lightly damp cloth. Do not attempt to loosen, change, or remove the Halo vest. If your doctor permits you to wash your hair during halo treatment, follow the exact instructions. Do not use conditioner, tints, dyes, or sprays on your hair.
Use a dry towel to “fluff and buff” your sheepskin. Slide the towel under your brace and pull it back and forth several times to fluff the sheepskin.
Do not use soap, lotion, or powder under the vest. It may irritate your skin.
Do not use sharp objects to scratch the skin under the vest
Cleaning pin sites
Nursing staff will teach you how to keep the pin sites clean. You will need to clean the pin sites twice a day. Often, a crust will form around each site. This crust must be cleaned off to prevent infection. Your nurse will show you or a caregiver how to do this before you leave the hospital.
What to Do:
1. Wash hands well with soap and water.
2. In a small bowl, mix up antibacterial soap and water.
3. Dip a sterile cotton swab into the cleaning mixture. Vigorously clean one pin
site. Be sure to remove any crust. Then, repeat for each pin site. Always
use a new, clean swab for each pin site. Start close to the pin and
work away from it in a circular motion.
Do not use ointments or antiseptics unless your doctor says to.
Check the pin sites for signs of infection. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
• Red or inflamed pin sites
• Pus-like drainage (yellow-green)
• Shifting or movement of the pins
• If anything becomes loose
• If you are able to nod your head
• An open area around the pin sites
• Pain at pin sites
• Any clicking noises
Activity
You can travel and fly in an airplane. The metal detectors will alarm when you pass through them.
Depending on your job, you may or may not be able to work. Check with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Do not lift heavy objects or jump or run.
Do not ride a bicycle because your balance will be off.
Avoid crowds of people where you might get shoved.
If your neck hurts after any activity, stop and rest.
Ask your doctor about sexual activity.
Planning for your trip home
You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital because the Halo will restrict your movement and vision. You cannot drive while your Halo is in place. Always wear your seat belt.
Bend at your hips, knees, and lower back when getting into and out of a car, and from sitting or standing. Be very careful to allow extra space for the Halo structure when you move near other people or objects. During cold weather, you may be more comfortable if you limit your time outside and wrap your head and halo with a small blanket or large towel for warmth.
Sleep
Sleep in any position that is comfortable. A pillow or rolled towel under your neck may be used.
You may feel more tired during the day, so short naps may help.
To get out of bed, roll over on your side near the edge of the bed. Drop your legs off the bed and push up with your arms and hands at the same time. Do not allow anyone to pull or move you by pulling on the brace.
How long do I need to wear the Halo?
Your doctor will decide how long you need to wear your halo. You cannot take off your halo. You must wear your halo as ordered by your doctor. Your halo cannot be removed, adjusted, or changed by anyone except you doctor. If you lose or gain weight, the halo vest may need to be adjusted for proper fit. If you have any problems or concerns, you should contact your doctor promptly.
The doctor will do x-rays to determine when your neck is healed. When it is healed, the doctor will remove the halo in the office. You can use band aids over the pin sites if you are going to be in a dirty area.
Your head will feel heavy on your shoulders after the halo is removed. The neck muscles have not had to work for several weeks. You may be fitted for a soft collar to help support your neck. Continue to limit your activities after the halo is removed. The doctor will tell you when you can be more active. It will take several weeks before you feel normal, however, you will feel better each day.
What if an emergency occurs?
If cardiac arrest occurs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be done by releasing both side buckles and flipping the front of the vest.
Always keep the tools taped to the front of the vest. Do not remove the brace for any reason except an emergency. If you have any questions or problems call the doctor.
When to call the doctor
If you have numbness, tingling, pain, fever or are less able to move or do everyday activities, call your doctor.
Call the doctor if you have:
• Continuing neck pain
• Any changes in the feeling in your arms or legs
• Any changes in moving your arms and legs
• Reddened or broken skin under or around the vest
Patients of the Neurosurgery Clinic please call (608) 263-1410
Patients of the Orthopedic Spine Clinic call (608) 265-3507
After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, this will give you the paging operator. Ask for the resident on call for your clinic. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942 and ask for your clinic.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 12/19/2012
Copyright © 12/19/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6830
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