Efficacy and safety of halo-gravity traction in the treatment of spinal deformities: A systematic review of the literature

P Domenech; G Mariscal; V Marquina; P Bas; T Bas

doi:10.1016/j.recot.2023.05.005

Efficacy and safety of halo-gravity traction in the treatment of spinal deformities: A systematic review of the literature

Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol. 2024 Mar-Apr;68(2):159-167. doi: 10.1016/j.recot.2023.05.005. Epub 2023 May 23.

[Article in English, Spanish]

Authors

P Domenech¹, G Mariscal², V Marquina³, P Bas¹, T Bas¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain.
² Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: Gonzalo.mariscal@mail.ucv.es.
³ Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Valencia General University Hospital, Valencia, Spain.

PMID: 37230411
DOI: 10.1016/j.recot.2023.05.005

Abstract

Objective: To determine, through a systematic review, the effects of halo gravity traction in spinal deformity.

Methods: Prospective studies or case series of patients with scoliosis or kyphosis treated with cranial halo gravity traction (HGT) were included. Radiological outcomes were measured in the sagittal and/or coronal planes. Pulmonary function was also assessed. Perioperative complications were also collected.

Results: Thirteen studies were included. Congenital etiology was the most frequent etiology observed. Most studies provided clinically relevant curve correction values in the sagittal and coronal planes. Pulmonary values improved significantly after the use of HGT. Finally, there were a pool of 83 complications in 356 patients (23.3%). The most frequent complications were screw infection (38 cases).

Conclusions: Preoperative HGT appears to be a safe and effective intervention for deformity that allows correction prior to surgery. However, there is a lack of homogeneity in the published studies.

Keywords: Cifosis; Deformidad de columna; Escoliosis; Halo gravity traction; Kyphosis; Revisión sistemática; Scoliosis; Spine deformity; Systematic review; Tracción del halo-gravedad.

Publication types

Review