Advances in Operative Stabilization for Unstable Cervical Spine Injuries: Implications for Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation

Traumatic cervical spine injuries have traditionally been managed with spinal realignment and immobilization. Halo vest immobilization is the standard nonoperative means of maintaining spinal alignment, however it carries with it significant comorbidity. Cumbersome external orthoses (for either nonoperativeor postoperative stabilization) are associated with delayed mobilization, difficulties in patient transfer, and impairment with active participation in early rehabilitation, which prolongs patient recovery. Advances in surgical strategies, namely the evolution of rigid segmental internal fixation systems, allow for early surgical stabilization of traumatic cervical spine injuries with less reliance on extended halo vest wear, which shortens immobilization times and facilitates early rehabilitation.