Abstract
This case report describes a unique case involving traumatic spondylolisthesis of
the axis that resulted in nonunion, angulation, and displacement after conservative
treatment with a cervical collar, but which was successfully achieved union with halo
immobilization and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS). Halo immobilization of
a traumatic spondylolisthesis in a 20-year-old patient, that previously failed to
improve after wearing a cervical collar for 3 months, was immediately followed by
treatment with a LIPUS device (SAFHS 4000J; Teijin Pharma, Tokyo, Japan) 20 minutes
once daily to the right and left fracture sites which were located using fluoroscopic
guidance. Radiographs and computed tomography showed conclusive evidence of bone union
after 10 weeks of treatment with halo immobilization. No adverse events were observed.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing that the combination
of halo immobilization and LIPUS therapy might be a safe, effective, and feasible
method by which to treat cervical spine fractures.
Keywords
nonunion - traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis - low-intensity pulsed ultrasound
- bone union
