Que called halo gravity traction is used to treat severe spinal problems by progressively stretching the spine. It might be a better option than surgery for certain kids.
Placing a metal “halo” on a person’s head is the method used in halo gravity traction. After that, a medical expert fastens this to a system of weighted pulleys that progressively realigns the spine.
The device was first utilized in 1959, but because surgical fixation and fusion procedures have advanced, it is used less frequently now. That may still be the better choice, though, for small children and people who are unable to have surgery. Before surgery, specialists could also employ it to aid in spine correction.
Even though the process could appear extremely unpleasant, some patients report feeling better right away, including improved breathing and reduced pain.
Continue reading to learn more about the operation of halo gravity traction.
Halo gravity traction uses and benefits
Halo gravity traction is a treatment used by medical practitioners for severe spinal problems such as:
- severe scoliosis
- neuromuscular scoliosis
- upper cervical spine injuries
- congenital spine irregularities
- cervical (neck) instability
- severe cervical kyphosis
Although halo bracing has hazards, experts may think it’s the best choice in certain circumstances. For kids, for instance, it might be a wise decision because of how still developing their bones are. Halo traction, as opposed to surgical surgery, reduces the risk of nerve and tissue damage in children and adolescents with severe spine curvature.
But it’s not necessarily a substitute for surgery, and a physician might later suggest a less invasive surgical technique like spinal fusion.
How halo gravity traction works
Your child will first be given general anesthesia, which will keep them unconscious for the duration of the treatment. After that, a medical expert will use many pins to secure a metal ring, or halo, to the patient’s head.
After that, they’ll attach this halo to a system of weighted pulleys that will gradually raise the head and spine. Usually, the procedure takes between one and two hours.
Small weight additions by the healthcare provider will occur throughout around 3 to 12 weeks. The spine is gradually stretched and realigned by this gradual rise in power.
Your child may utilize a wheelchair or walker to provide them some movement during treatment. Furthermore, routine monitoring guarantees that the spine is properly reacting to the traction, including neurological examinations and X-rays.
What to know once the halo is put on
Usually, your child will remain in the hospital while receiving therapy. A medical expert will gradually add weight to the device during the child’s stay, up until the total weight reaches roughly 50% of the child’s weight.
Medical personnel will keep a careful eye on your child to make sure everything goes as planned and to check for any nerve problems. This procedure could consist of:
- vision and hearing tests
- eye movement tests
- X-rays
Your youngster will probably be encouraged to move around with the assistance of a wheelchair or walker by the medical staff. It is also safe to work or complete education while receiving therapy.
Your youngster will momentarily disconnect from the halo device if they need to go potty. Additionally, a medical expert may remove the device entirely or drastically lessen the amount of traction while the patient is asleep. In the end, what works best for each individual and the doctor’s advice will determine this.
Is halo gravity traction painful?
The process shouldn’t cause your child any discomfort because they will be under general anesthesia while a specialist places the pins. In the hours or days that follow, some patients, however, can have a headache, pain, or edema near the pin sites.
Additional possible adverse effects could be:
- spinal pain or discomfort
- pin site infections
- pin loosening
A 2019 assessment of pediatric halo gravity traction patients found that these side effects are typically minor and easily controlled with the aid of antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and pin retightening.
Potential risks and complications
Comparing the dangers of halo gravity traction to surgery, the majority of problems are rather minor.
In addition to problems like pain or infection, the following other risks could arise:
- nerve issues in the head or face
- infections or fractures around the eye
- double vision or other vision problems
- spinal nerve pain
- irregular heartbeat
- issues swallowing
- skull punctures
- breathing issues or pneumonia, though this is more common in older adults
A tiny 2022 study conducted on kids discovered that:
- 95% experienced complications
- 90% experienced cervical (neck) pain
- 36% experienced back pain
- 26% experienced minor neurological issues
- 5% experienced dizziness or pin displacement
The complications, which included infections and neurological problems, were modest and had no lasting effects, according to the researchers. Nevertheless, they assert that before making any conclusions, more investigation using bigger sample sizes is necessary.
It’s crucial to remember that only a select few hospitals and surgeons in the US are qualified to provide halo gravity traction because of its extreme specialization.
How parents can support children having halo gravity traction
There are a few things you can do to make your child feel as comfortable as possible while receiving halo gravity traction. These actions consist of:
- Making them feel at home: Plan to stay with them while they’re in the hospital and bring any decorations, games, or beloved toys that will make them feel at ease.
- Encouraging them to play (safely): Wearing the device doesn’t need kids to watch TV while they sit motionless. They frequently benefit from some mild exercise and pleasure, and they typically get used to using a wheelchair or walker quickly.
- Helping them sleep peacefully: When in traction, your child will sleep in a special bed, which may require some getting used to. Try supporting their head with a rolled-up towel or neck pillow while they sleep.
Other tips to remember include:
- making sure your child stays away from high-impact activities for a few months
- using just baby shampoo for their injuries
- keeping an eye out for fever, numbness, or pain
Naturally, to guarantee a speedy recovery process, always attentively follow the doctor’s instructions.
What’s the outlook for someone having halo gravity traction?
While problems are possible with this surgery, they are rather mild when compared to more invasive surgical procedures.
The halo brace is now the most effective spinal brace device available for enhancing upper cervical spinal mobility, according to the authors of research published in 2024.
According to the authors of the same paper, the success rate is almost 85%. About 121 persons out of a sample of 239 in one study that the authors cite experienced minor problems.
Researchers add that the gadget can lessen discomfort and rectify spinal curvature by up to 50% in the same 2022 study that was previously discussed.
The bottom line
For severe spinal abnormalities, halo gravity traction is a reasonably successful treatment option, particularly for young patients whose bones are still growing.
The device in the skull is intrusive, thus it needs to be handled with extreme caution during treatment.
The majority of patients report benefits including better breathing and lessened spinal discomfort, and serious problems are uncommon.