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Authors of section

Authors

Carlo Bellabarba, Marcelo Gruenberg, Cumhur Oner

Executive Editor

Luiz Vialle

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Nonoperative (collars)

1. Introduction

The purpose of a collar is to prevent ranges of motion outside of limits deemed unfavorable for fracture healing.

A fracture that is deemed to be stable may be treated with a collar immobilization or without immobilization.

Early mobilization is instituted once a patient is upright. AP lateral plain x-rays are then obtained to make sure there is no significant fracture displacement requiring surgery.

2. Options

Soft collar

A soft collar will not provide any mechanical support and is only used for pain management.

Do not use for more than 2–3 weeks.

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Hard collar PDC

This collar provides limited support for the upper cervical spine. Furthermore it can be used for additional support after surgery.

When used in treatment of stable fractures, x-ray control should be performed after 1 week.

The total treatment duration is 6 weeks.

nonoperative collars

Sterno occipito mandibular immobilizer (SOMI)

The "Junior" version provides moderate mechanical support for the subaxial cervical spine. It can be used for the nonoperative treatment of stable cervical fractures.

nonoperative collars

The "Orthesis" version provides moderate mechanical support for C1–T3. It may also be used for the nonoperative treatment of fractures.

When used in treatment of stable fractures, x-ray control should be performed after 1 week.

The total treatment duration is 6–12 weeks depending on the type of fracture.

nonoperative collars

Minerva cast

The Minerva cast can be used in children instead of a halo vest. It provides moderate mechanical support for C1–T3.

Treatment duration is 4–12 weeks depending on age and type of injury.

nonoperative collars