Halo-pelvic distraction apparatus. An analysis of one hundred and fifty consecutive patients

One hundred and fifty consecutive patients on whom the halo-pelvic apparatus was used were analyzed. Sixty-six per cent had tuberculous kyphosis or paralytic scoliosis. The apparatus was of great value in holding and correcting spines with tuberculous kyphosis and the results were gratifying, even though the average correction of the kyphos was only 20 per cent. In paralytic scoliosis a 46 per cent correction was obtained, but presently Dwyer and Harrington instrumentation are used for the majority of such cases. The halo-pelvic apparatus was effective in holding and correcting severe congenital curves and kyphoscoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis, especially when there were signs of cord compression. The complication rate was high early in the series, but has been lowered by strict patient selection and close adherence to specific guidelines in the application of the apparatus. The apparatus should be reserved for severe deformities when other means of correction or stabilization are inadequate.