Orbital Roof Fracture and Orbital Cellulitis Secondary to Halo Pin Penetration: Case Report

Study Design Case report. Objective To report and discuss a rare complication after a patient was treated conservatively with a halo vest. Methods A 51-year-old man sustained a hangman's injury of the C2 vertebra following a motor vehicle collision. He was treated conservatively in a halo vest appliance and following mobilization was discharged from the hospital. Two weeks after discharge, the patient presented to the emergency department complaining of proptosis, ptosis, diplopia, and pin loosening. He was readmitted to the hospital, the halo vest was removed, and urgent imaging studies including computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. They revealed that one of the halo pins had penetrated the orbital roof with active infection of the extraocular soft tissues. In consultation with the ophthalmologist, he was treated conservatively with antibiotics for 10 days. Results His ophthalmologic complaints resolved gradually and his eye returned to normal appearance and function. In the meantime, he was immobilized in a sterno-occipital mandibular immobilizer brace. Conclusion Though rare, penetrating injuries after cranial pin insertion can occur. Halo devices must be applied by, or under close supervision of, experienced personnel to avoid such complications, and halo vests should be reviewed frequently to detect such incidents early.