Management of brain abscesses associated with halo fixation

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Publication Type Journal Article
School or College School of Medicine
Department Neurosurgery
Creator Schmidt, Meic H.
Other Author Niazi, Toba; Quinones-Hinojosa, Alfredo
Title Management of brain abscesses associated with halo fixation
Date 2008
Description Halo orthoses are commonly used in the management of a variety of cervical spinal pathological conditions. Although placement of the cranial pins was initially believed to be safe with minimal complications, minor complications related to the cranial pins have the potential to create a setting for formation of cerebral abscesses. The risk of death due to cerebral abscesses has declined in the modern antibiotic era, but cerebral abscesses are associated with long-standing neurological morbidity that should not be considered negligible. Prevention by careful pin placement and hygiene and appropriate early management are crucial to prevent more serious complications. The authors report the case of a patient treated with a halo orthosis after incurring cervical spinal trauma who developed a cerebral abscess as a complication related to the cranial pins of the halo fixation device. They review the literature in an attempt to formulate a standardized treatment algorithm to prevent this disease process and to treat an abscess if it should form.
Type Text
Publisher American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
Volume 24
Issue 6:(E14)
First Page 1
Last Page 4
Subject Cerebral abscess; Cranial pin; Halo orthosis; Halo fixation; Inner table of skull
Subject LCSH Brain -- Abscess; Orthopedic apparatus; Spine -- Surgery -- Complications
Subject MESH Brain Abscess; Orthotic Devices
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Language eng
Bibliographic Citation Niazi, T., Quinones-Hinojosa, A., & Schmidt, M. H. (2008). Management of brain abscesses associated with halo fixation. Case report. Neurosurgical Focus, 24(6), E14, 1-4.
Rights Management (c) American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 98,672 bytes
Identifier ir-main,12798
ARK ark:/87278/s6kw60hr
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Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6kw60hr