Complications of Prolonged Halo-Gravitational Tractional in Spinal Deformity Surgeries

Abstract

Objective: Spinal traction by a cranial halo is a method with more than half a century of application, presenting the possibility of gradual correction of deformities while the patient is awake, also improving respiratory and nutritional patterns. This study aimed to evaluate the complications of pins and traction during their use in treating severe spinal deformities. Methods: We evaluated 27 patients undergoing surgical treatment using halo-gravitational traction pre or interoperatively between 2014 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were the presence of severe deformity (>100º) in the coronal and/or sagittal plane and traction for at least seven days. Two subgroups were identified: patients presenting only severe coronal deformity (Group 1) and patients with severe deformity in the sagittal plane accompanied by coronal deformity (Group 2). Clinical and radiological data were analyzed retrospectively, evaluating the variables: age, sex, weight, height, etiological diagnosis, number of pins, traction time, sagittal and coronal Cobb angle before and after traction, and complications related to pins and traction. Results: Age and weight showed a significant correlation with the occurrence of complications related to the pins (p=0.007; p<0.001), as well as the congenital etiology of deformity (p=0.001), and those patients in group 2 (p=0.006). There was no significant correlation between the variables studied and the occurrence of neurological complications. Conclusion: Halo-gravitational traction is an important adjunctive method in treating severe spinal deformities. Despite having a considerable complication rate, there were no serious events. Level of evidence IV; Case series.