subject: Halo Braces for Neck Injury -- The Role of Medicare [print this page] The neck is a complex part of the human body, and extremely important for the mobility of the head. As collection of bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other connective structures, it is not well-protected and thus often susceptible to injury. Damage or fractures of the spinal column in the neck typically refer to damage to the cervical vertebrae, which support both the up and down motions of the head (leaning back, versus nodding the head downwards), as well as the left and right motions (for example, shaking one's head). The projections from the cervical bones which support the motion of the head are surprisingly delicate: a single part of the spine, a bit thinner than the pinky, known as the dens or odontoid process, is responsible for the vast majority of this motion, and very susceptible to fracture.
Like bone injuries and fractures in the rest of the body, odontoid fractures typically need to be immobilized in order to minimize pain and promote optimal healing. A certain type of cervical collar, known as a halo brace, is ideal for this application. Orthopedic surgeons attach the top part of the halo neck brace, the "halo," to the head, and then stabilize it by running metal supports to a vest, worn on the shoulders. The halo neck brace is preferred
by many surgeons, because it minimizes the amount of motion that the head can make relative to the rest of the body, thereby relieving neck strain and ensuring the best possible healing.
The operation to place a halo brace is covered under Medicare part A (in-patient insurance), although followup visits may fall under Medicare part B, which is elective coverage. Patients who are informed that they need a halo brace should research their options and check with their provider with respect to specific models of the halo brace, as certain models are covered by Medicare while others are excluded.
Visit HaloBrace.com for more info on the medical perspective of halo neck braces.
Halo Braces for Neck Injury -- The Role of Medicare
By: Jon Hosier
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