Halo-pelvic traction in the treatment of severe scoliosis: a meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose To provide better evidence of the efficacy and safety of preoperative halo-pelvic traction on the improvements of deformity and pulmonary functions in patients with severe scoliosis. Methods Electronic database searches were conducted including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. All studies of halo-pelvic traction for the management of severe spinal deformity were included. We referred to a list of four criteria developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the quality of included studies. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Based on the study selection criteria, a total of eight articles consisting of a total of 210 patients were included. Statistically significant differences were found in coronal Cobb angle ( P < 0.001), sagittal Cobb angle ( P < 0.001) and height ( P < 0.001) between pre- and post-traction. Sensitivity analysis was conducted, and there were substantial changes in heterogeneity with preoperative thoracoplasty subgroup in coronal Cobb angle ( P < 0.001). Three trials including 74 subjects reported FVC and FEV1 predicted value between pre- and post-traction. There were statistically significant differences in FVC, FVC%, FEV1 and FEV1% ( P < 0.001). The complication rate was 6.6–26.7%, and symptoms disappeared after reasonable traction strategy and intensive care. Conclusions Preoperative halo-pelvic traction achieved significant improvements in spinal deformity and pulmonary functions, with minor and curable complications. Thus, it is an effective and safe solution before surgery and may be the optimal choice for severe scoliosis. In light of the heterogeneity and limitations, future researches are needed to better determine the long-term efficacy on comprehensive assessment and to explore the appropriate traction system.