Complications of Halo Placement

The halo vest is widely used throughout the world to manage craniovertebral and cervical instabilities. It can be used for postoperative immobilization or as an alternative to surgical fixation.In this paper we present some cases of severe complications from our own practice and review the literature on halo complications.Like any therapeutic manoeuvre, halo placement may be followed by various complications. In the meantime, modern techniques of fixation offer safe and immediate stabilization.The halo vest remains a formidable method for cervical immobilization. However, it should not be used a priori instead of surgery.