J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1993 Jan;22(1):91-99.

Posterior Stabilization with Halifax Interlaminar Clamps in Unstable Cervical Spine Injuries(Follow-up Study)

• Yu DJ
• Yang DJ
• Jang SJ

Abstract

The most common severe cervical spine injury involving the posterior elements is subluxation or dislocation in which the posterior ligamentus complex is completely torn. Late instability is more common than previously realizaed, because ligamentous structures do not reconstitute normally, even with prolonged external rigid fixation. Subluxation of the cervical vertebrae in a flexion injury can be reduced by skeletal traction;however, they usually require posterior stabilization. Unilateral and bilateral facet dislocation frequently require open reduction and posterior stabilization. The authors have used interlaminar clamps for the stabilization of thirty cases of unstable cervical spine. Advantages of this method are 1) immediate and rigid stabilization without cord injury, 2) early ambulation and prevention of respiratory complication and pressure sore. And also, posterior cervical stabilization with Halifax clamps is an easier, safer and faster technology in treatment of unstable spine.

Keyword

Unstable cervical spine; Interlaminar clamp; Rigid stability; Early ambulation

MeSH Terms

Cervical Vertebrae
Dislocations
Early Ambulation
Female
Ligaments
Pressure Ulcer
Spine*