ABSTRACT
Objective: Halo traction reduces surgical risks in the treatment of severe rigid scoliosis. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of halo traction in the treatment of these patients.
Materials and Methods: Patients with severe rigid scoliosis who underwent halo traction before surgery were retrospectively evaluated. The halo traction gradually increased, and a total weight of 50% of the body weight was applied. The major coronal curvature (Cobb angle), thoracic kyphosis (TK) and length between T1 and L5 in the coronal plane were evaluated before halo traction, at 3 weeks under traction, and before surgery.
Results: Five patients (mean age: 12.8 years) were evaluated. Before halo traction, the mean majör Cobb angle was 112°, TK was 78.6°, and the length between T1 and L5 was 261 mm. The average traction duration was 43 days. It was determined that there was a statistically significant improvement in the major Cobb angle, TK, and the length between T1 and L5 between the patients’ baseline and 3rd week and presurgery measurements. It was observed that 85% of the total Cobb angle and TK were completely corrected, and 84% of the length between T1 and L5 was obtained after 3 weeks of halo traction.
Conclusion: Approximately 85% of the correction is achieved after the first three weeks of halo traction application. There was no significant improvement after this period. Thus, halo traction for 3 weeks may be considered sufficient.
