Presurgical Short-Term Halo-Pelvic Traction for Severe Rigid Scoliosis (Cobb Angle >120°)

STUDY DESIGN: A 2-year follow-up review of 62 patients with severe rigid scoliosis (>120°). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of halo-pelvic traction (HPT) for treating severe rigid scoliosis (>120°). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Severe rigid scoliosis (>120°) is still a challenge for spine surgeons. A combination of presurgical HPT traction, osteotomy, and internal fixation could be a safe and effective solution for these cases. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all the patients with severe rigid scoliosis (>120°) treated with presurgical HPT from 2013 through 2017. Radiographic measurements were performed. The period of traction, estimated blood loss, operation time, complications, and bed rest period were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients who had 2-year radiological follow-up were included in the study. In 30 patients, vertebral column resection (VCR) was performed aiming to achieve a better correction rate. In patients who received a VCR, the average preoperative Cobb angle was 133.6°, and the average correction rate at 2 years after surgery was 65.4%. Compared with the average height before treatment, at 2 years after surgery the average height was 12.5 cm greater. In patients who did NOT received VCR, the average preoperative Cobb angle was 131.5°, and the average correction rate at 2 years after surgery was 64.1%. Compared with the average height before treatment, at 2 years after surgery the average height was 14.0 cm greater. Common complications during HPT included infected pelvic pins, brachial plexus palsy, and weakness of the lower extremities. No patients experienced permanent neurological deficits or death. CONCLUSION: For severe rigid scoliosis with a Cobb angle greater than 120°, a combination of short-term presurgical HPT and posterior surgery is an effective and safe solution. After 4 to 6 weeks of presurgical HPT the Cobb angle can be decreased by approximately 50%, providing a favorable condition for spine corrective surgery.Level of Evidence: 3.