Effects of Halo-gravity traction in patients with neurologic deficits secondary to severe focal angular kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of pre-operative Halo-gravity traction (HGT) and posterior correction surgery in treating patients with neurological deficits secondary to severe focal angular kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.Methods:A total of 16 patients (11 males, 5 females) with neurologic deficits secondary to severe focal angular kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine undergoing preoperative HGT and posterior correction operation from January 2010 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The average age was 12.9±5.6 years (range 6-27 years). The standing X-ray of whole spine was taken at pre-, post-traction and post-operation. The Cobb angles of main curve at both sagittal and coronal planes were measured accordingly. The neurologic function at pre-traction, post-traction and post-operation was assessed according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading. The complications during HGT, operation and post-operative follow-up were recorded for each patient.Results:The average values of focal kyphosis and scoliosis were 96.1°±16.0° (71°-128°) and 75.5°±20.5° (40°-107°) at pre-traction respectively. The spinal cord function graded by ASIA criteria at pre-traction was B in 1 patient, C in 6 and D in 9, respectively. The correction rates of focal kyphosis and scoliosis were 32.8%±15.0% (18.0%-65.9%) and 22.9%±8.0% (14.1%-38.6%) after traction, which were further improved to 45.4%±14.9% (29.0%-69.0%) and 33.6%±8.6% (23.3%-49.3%) at post-operation without significant correction loss during 35.6±14.2 (24-72) months follow-up. After traction, the spinal cord function improved to grade D in 4 patients and grade E in 12 patients. At the last follow-up, the spinal cord functions were grade E in 15 patients and grade C in 1 patient. No neurologic monitor events occurred during operation. One patient suffered from transient left brachial plexus after operation. Further, proximal hook loosening was observed in 2 patients during follow-up. The spinal cord function was ASIA grade C pre-operatively in one patient, who recovered to ASIA grade E after operation and significantly deteriorated to ASIA C at 4 years follow-up.Conclusion:The correction of spinal kyphoscoliosis was satisfactory in this cohort. Preoperative HGT followed by posterior spinal correction surgery is an effective and safe procedure in treating neurological deficits secondary to focal angular kyphosis in the upper thoracic spine.