[The use of traction therapy in patients with spinal deformities at the stage of using functional corrective corsets]

Conservative treatment of patients with scoliosis and kyphoscoliotic spinal deformities is the most affordable and safe method of treatment. Non-surgical treatment of such patients takes a long period of time and includes the complex use of various factors, including physiotherapy, therapeutic gymnastics, swimming, massage, manual therapy, and the use of various types of functional corrective corsets. They are used on a regular basis until the bone growth zones are closed and/or deformity is sufficiently corrected.

The result of using corsets depends on many factors and is not always positive. One of the factors that reduce the effectiveness of this method is the poor tolerance (or intolerance) of these corsets due to pain sensations that occur at the sites of corrective efforts, as well as limited mobility of the spine.

Various methods are used to increase the mobility of the spine (physical therapy with stretching elements, massage, manual therapy).

Traction therapy (stretching of the spine) can be attributed to methods that increase the mobility of the spine. Reports on the effectiveness of isolated traction therapy in patients with various static deformities are contradictory.

To evaluate the prospects of using traction therapy in patients with significant static spinal deformities using a functionally corrective corset to facilitate the period of adaptation to regular wearing of a functionally corrective corset, and to reduce pain and discomfort from pressure exerted by the pressure zones of the corset; to increase spinal mobility.

The publication describes the experience of using traction therapy in 52 adolescent patients undergoing inpatient conservative treatment for severe static spinal deformities at the stage of using a functional corrective corset.

As a result of the work, the following conclusions can be drawn: the use of traction therapy significantly reduces pain and discomfort associated with the use of a functionally corrective corset. There were no negative reactions or complications from the use of traction therapy.

Traction therapy should be used in the complex conservative treatment of patients with scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis as an additional method at the stage of using functionally corrective corsets, including difficulties in adapting to corset treatment. Traction therapy can also be used to prepare a patient for an orthosis.