The Use of Halo Gravity Traction in Severe, Stiff Scoliosis.

dc.contributor.author

Rocos, Brett

dc.contributor.author

Reda, Luke

dc.contributor.author

Lebel, David E

dc.contributor.author

Dodds, Michael K

dc.contributor.author

Zeller, Reinhard

dc.date.accessioned

2024-01-10T16:15:22Z

dc.date.available

2024-01-10T16:15:22Z

dc.date.issued

2021-07

dc.description.abstract

Purpose

The correction of severe, stiff scoliosis in children is challenging. One method used to reduce the risk is preoperative halo gravity traction (HGT). In this study, the authors sought to define the efficiency and safety of HGT and characterize the chronology of the correction seen.

Method

A consecutive group of pediatric patients with severe spinal deformities was treated with HGT before definitive correction. A standard protocol with the daily addition of weight to 50% of body weight at 3 weeks was used. Traction remained in place until signs of impending neurological complication or 6 weeks, whichever was sooner.

Results

Twenty-four patients were included with a mean age of 11.8 years. The mean coronal deformity was 123 degrees, with a T1-L5 height of 234 mm. The mean duration of traction was 42 days with a mean improvement in height of 72 mm with 82% occurring over the first 3 weeks. Hundred percent of the angular and 98% of T1-L5 height correction was reached by 6 weeks.One patient showed early signs of a cranial nerve palsy prompting early surgery and 8 patients showed pin loosening, 1 of which required revision of their halo. One patient underwent a slower progression of traction because of transitory urinary disturbance. Following fusion, angular correction of the major curve was 49%.

Conclusion

HGT is a safe treatment for severe, stiff scoliosis because it can respond to early signs of impending neurological impairment. The first 3 weeks of treatment, reaching 50% of body weight as a traction force accounts for 80% of correction, with the remaining 20% in the following 2 weeks. At least 4 weeks of traction is recommended when following this protocol.
dc.identifier

01241398-202107000-00006

dc.identifier.issn

0271-6798

dc.identifier.issn

1539-2570

dc.identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10161/29697

dc.language

eng

dc.publisher

Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

dc.relation.ispartof

Journal of pediatric orthopedics

dc.relation.isversionof

10.1097/bpo.0000000000001830

dc.rights.uri

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0

dc.subject

Humans

dc.subject

Scoliosis

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Body Weight

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Treatment Outcome

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Preoperative Care

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Spinal Fusion

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Traction

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Retrospective Studies

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Gravitation

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Adolescent

dc.subject

Child

dc.subject

Male

dc.title

The Use of Halo Gravity Traction in Severe, Stiff Scoliosis.

dc.type

Journal article

duke.contributor.orcid

Rocos, Brett|0000-0002-0808-5585

pubs.begin-page

338

pubs.end-page

343

pubs.issue

6

pubs.organisational-group

Duke

pubs.organisational-group

School of Medicine

pubs.organisational-group

Clinical Science Departments

pubs.organisational-group

Orthopaedic Surgery

pubs.organisational-group

Neurosurgery

pubs.publication-status

Published

pubs.volume

41

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