Use of the halo-pelvic apparatus for treatment of fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar spines accompanied by paraplegia

Twenty-five cases of paraplegia due to fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were treated using the halo-pelvic apparatus. Thirteen of them only needed the apparatus, two underwent laminectomy, and ten had posterior spinal fusion in addition. The advantages of this method are that gentle reduction can be achieved without severe complications, and that posterior spinal fusion can be performed with this apparatus on, thus enabling an early start to the subsequent exercise program and minimal absence from work.