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

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.