Progressive correction of severe spinal deformities with halo-gravity traction

Treatment of rigid and severe spinal deformities is challenging and risky. Preoperative halo-gravity traction can be used to progressively reduce the deformity before spinal fusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of halo-gravity traction for the correction of severe spinal deformities. Fifteen patients were reviewed retrospectively. Their mean age at the beginning of traction was 13.5 years. The mean duration of traction was 64 days. The main curve in the coronal plane improved from +/- 95 degrees to +/- 67 degrees, a gain of +/- 28 degrees (range 0 degrees-50 degrees) or +/- 30%. The curve in the sagittal plane improved from +/- 96 degrees to +/- 78 degrees, a gain of +/- 18 degrees (range 0 degrees-45 degrees) or +/- 19%. Other authors report gains up to 46% and 43%, respectively in the coronal and in the sagittal plane, but this might be due to different conditions, techniques, and evaluations. One patient with a pre-existing neurological deficit developed paraplegia. According to the literature congenital curves with associated kyphosis are exposed to paraplegia. Halo-gravity traction is effective and is usually tolerated better than other techniques of traction using the halo device.