Evaluation of the Influence of HaloGravity Traction upon the Results of Severe Neuromuscular Deformity Treatment

Abstract

Evaluation of the effect of traction preoperative preparation on the degree of neuromuscular spinal deformity correction was performed. Treatment results for 50 patients with paralytic deformities operated on in 3 different clinics were analyzed. The patients were divided in 2 comparable groups, 25 patients in each group. In group 1 one-step intervention, i.e. dorsal correction under halo-traction and Ponte osteotomy was performed. In group 2 two-step correction, i.e. 12-14 days gradual halo-gravity traction followed by dorsal correction and Ponte osteotomy. Postoperative deformity correction made up 49 and 50% in the 1st and 2nd groups, respectively. In patients from the 2nd group the postoperative period was smoother. Thus, the study did not detect any influence of traction preparation on the degree of the deformity correction.