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The halo cast was designed to hold your head and neck in a rigid position while maintaining total spinal alignment.
The halo cast is most commonly used in conjunction with surgery (spine fusion). The cast is made of plaster and is molded to you.
Care of the Cast:
The cast needs to be kept dry. If the cast gets wet, it will soften and lose its ability to support your spine. If the cast becomes soiled, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with a non-bluing cleanser to clean as much as possible.
Bathing/Skin Care:
You should clean the skin under the cast at least once a day. Use a damp washcloth to wash the skin under all the edges of the cast as far as your cast will let you reach. Do not use soap. If any soap is left under the cast, it can cause skin problems. Dry your skin well with a dry washcloth. Next, do your skin care.
You must check all areas where your bones are close to the skin and the cast. Examples are: tailbone, shoulder blades, collar bones, hips, and ribs. A friend or family member should help you with your skin care, since some areas are hard to see and touch. To prevent any skin irritation or open sores, maintain good skin condition and relieve any pressure of the cast on the skin.
How to Do Skin Care - Do twice a day
Look:
- Check your skin for sores or redness.
- Use a flashlight to see the skin under the cast.
- Use a mirror to help see areas out of your vision.
- Press down gently on the skin to hold the skin away from the cast to see more of the skin.
Feel:
- Place your fingers under the cast as far as possible and feel for any skin changes.
- Use your fingers to feel the inside of the cast for any ridges or bumps that could cause pressure.
Smell:
- Sniff for any foul odor from any skin areas.
Rub:
- Pat a small amount of alcohol or witch hazel onto the skin over bony areas to cool and toughen the skin and prevent body odor.
- Use your fingers to rub in circles over bony areas.
Move:
- Change positions about every two hours.
- Relieve pressure to reddened spots by lying on the opposite side. Your body pulls away from the cast and lets air flow under the cast.
Don't:
- Put thick pads over sores. This will only increase the pressure.
- Use any ointments or salves on sores or skin.
- Remove your own cast.
- Have your cast removed, except at the designated time by your physician at the Twin Cities Spine Center.
To Help Stop Itching:
- Use a hair dryer set on low only to blow air under the cast.
- Thread a piece of stockinette or strip of soft cotton about 24 inches long through the front of the cast. With one end at the top and one at the bottom, gently move it back and forth. Do not force through, as this could cause skin burns.
- Do not use any sharp piece or objects that may become lost under your cast.
Shampooing:
You can shampoo your hair at least once per week, and you should discuss with your hospital nurse about what way will be easiest and best for you. Some people put their head over the edge of the bed and collect the water in a large plastic wastebasket. You can also rent equipment for washing hair in bed, such as a shampoo board, from a hospital supply company.
Protect your cast and bed linens with plastic bags and towels. Keep your head lower than your body to prevent the cast from getting wet.
Once a week, before you shampoo, trim you hair about one-half inch around each pin site. You can also ask a friend or family member to check each pin site and trim you hair. Dry the metal parts of your halo after you shampoo. Pin care is done after you shampoo your hair.
Clothing:
The key to wearing clothes over a cast with a halo is making room for the metal uprights. Boat necklines and front-opening tops usually do this nicely. Some of your clothes can be altered to make room for the metal uprights. For example, you can remove collars, open shoulder seams, and use velcro, snaps, ribbons, and buttons for closures. Scarves can be used creatively and also provide warmth during cooler seasons.
A body cast will often increase the size of clothing you want to wear. Clothes that allow room for the cast will be more comfortable.
Activity:
It is non unusual to have difficulty judging the amount of space needed to accommodate your halo. You may bump into door frames or cupboards, This will decrease as you become used to the halo. When changing from a lying to a sitting (or sitting to lying) position, it is important to roll to your side first and then with the support of your arms, move to the desired position. This method decreases the stress on your halo pins. You will be instructed in this movement before you leave the hospital.
You will not be able to drive while wearing the halo. Getting in and out of cars can be challenging.
Hints:
Enter the vehicle from the street level, rather than the curb.
A larger car or van with increased head space is easier and may be necessary as you cannot "duck."
Practice this before you are to be discharged from the hospital.
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