Conocimiento del proceso editorial de las revistas científicas: encuesta a médicos traumatólogos / Knowledge about the editorial process of scientific journals. Cross-sectional study among orthopedic surgeons

Introducción: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue estimar el nivel de conocimiento de los médicos especialistas en Ortopedia y Traumatología sobre el proceso editorial de las revistas científicas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal sobre el nivel de conocimiento de los médicos traumatólogos respecto del proceso editorial de las revistas científicas, mediante un cuestionario entregado entre junio y agosto de 2022. Se registraron datos sociodemográficos y variables sobre la experiencia en investigación y el conocimiento del proceso editorial. Resultados: Se recibieron 130 encuestas completadas que correspondían a 118 hombres (90,8%) y 12 mujeres (9,2%) (media de la edad 48 años; DE = 12). Poco más de la mitad de la muestra (n = 72; 55%) eran traumatólogos que trabajaban en instituciones del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. El 60% de los médicos encuestados poseía un conocimiento bajo o moderado del proceso editorial. Se halló una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre un nivel alto de conocimiento del proceso editorial y la publicación de más de 5 artículos en revistas indexadas (p <0,001), en la revista de nuestra Asociación (p <0,001) y en congresos o jornadas científicos (p = 0,008). Conclusiones: La mayoría de los traumatólogos encuestados tenía un conocimiento bajo o moderado del proceso editorial de manuscritos científicos. Por otra parte, un alto nivel de conocimiento al respecto tuvo una asociación estadísticamente significativa con una mayor experiencia en la publicación de manuscritos científicos en revistas indexadas. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Our aim was to assess the level of knowledge of the editorial process of scientific journals among orthopedic surgeons. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study that evaluates participants' understanding of the editorial process of scientific journals. Between June and August 2022, a questionnaire was distributed to orthopedic surgeons who were members of the Argentine Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Demographic data and variables on research experience and knowledge about editorial process were recorded. Results: The survey had 130 respondents, 118 men (90.8%) and 12 women (9.2%), with a mean age of 48 years old (SD = 12). More than half of surveyed surgeons (n = 72; 55%) were from the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. In our study, 60% of orthopedic surgeons had a low or moderate understanding of the editorial process. A high level of knowledge of the editorial process was associated with having published more than 5 articles in indexed journals (p<0.001), in our association's journal (p<0.001), and in scientific congresses/seminars (p= 0.008). Conclusions: The majority of the orthopedic surgeons surveyed in our cross-sectional study had a low or moderate level of knowledge about the scientific manuscript editing process. On the other hand, having a high level of knowledge in this area was associated with more experience in the publication of scientific manuscripts in indexed journals. Level of Evidence: IV

Puntajes VII Ortopedia infantil / Scores VII Pediatric orthopedics

El Comité Editorial quiere brindar a sus lectores una actualización de las escalas de uso corriente. El empleo de tablas y escalas es una práctica muy extendida en la Ortopedia y Traumatología. La medición y la cuantificación de los aspectos clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos se convirtieron en una herramienta imprescindible para la toma de decisiones en diferentes aspectos de la actividad asistencial. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de las escalas más utilizadas, definiendo su uso e incluyendo bibliografía original y actualizada. Nivel de Evidencia: V

The Editorial Committee wants to provide its readers with an update on the commonly used scales. The use of tables and scales is a widespread practice in Orthopedics and Traumatology. The measurement and quantification of clinical, functional, and radiographic aspects has become an essential tool for decision-making in different aspects of healthcare activity. We carry out a review of the most used scales, defining their use and including original and updated literature. Level of Evidence: V

Puntajes VI / Scores VI

El Comité Editorial quiere brindar a sus lectores una actualización de las escalas de uso corriente. El empleo de tablas y escalas es una práctica muy extendida en la Ortopedia y Traumatología. La medición y la cuantificación de los aspectos clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos se convirtieron en una herramienta imprescindible para la toma de decisiones en diferentes aspectos de la actividad asistencial. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de las escalas más utilizadas, definiendo su uso e incluyendo bibliografía original y actualizada. Nivel de Evidencia: V

The Editorial Committee wants to provide its readers with an update on the commonly used scales. The use of tables and scales is a widespread practice in Orthopedics and Traumatology. The measurement and quantification of clinical, functional, and radiographic aspects has become an essential tool for decision-making in different aspects of healthcare activity. We carry out a review of the most used scales, defining their use and including original and updated literature. Level of Evidence: V

Neuromuscular lordoscoliosis: an unusual response to post-operative halo-gravity traction.

PURPOSE: To report the results of prolonged post-operative halo-gravity traction in a patient in whom the surgery had to be interrupted unexpectedly and for whom subsequently specific clinical circumstances contraindicated completion of the surgical procedure. METHODS: The patient was a 15-year-old male with severe cervico-dorsolumbar lordoscoliosis who was being studied for associated diffuse axonal injury. He performed halo-gravity traction for 12 weeks. Subsequent surgical management consisted of occipito-lumbar posterior instrumented fusion. During the surgical approach, electrocardiographic changes with hemodynamic decompensation were detected that did not improve with anesthetic reanimation. The intervention was stopped, the surgical wound was closed, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). It was decided that a revision surgery with the aim to continue with the previous strategy would imply a high risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Orthopedic management was decided upon consisting of continued halo-gravity traction with wheelchair modification at home, which was extended to a period of 12 months because of the good results obtained in terms of cervicothoracic realignment. Two years after halo-gravity discontinuation, clinical and radiographic occipito-cervical alignment was good and the patient conserved certain occipito-cervical range of motion and had the capacity of maintaining a horizontal gaze. CONCLUSION: We considered the outcome extraordinary and relevant in this complex and unusual patient. A longer follow-up will provide more data regarding the final outcome of this treatment.

Puntajes II / Scores II

El Comité Editorial quiere brindar a sus lectores una actualización de las escalas de uso corriente. El empleo de tablas y escalas es una práctica muy extendida en la Ortopedia y Traumatología. La medición y la cuantificación de los aspectos clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos se convirtieron en una herramienta imprescindible para la toma de decisiones en diferentes aspectos de la actividad asistencial. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de las escalas más utilizadas, definiendo su uso e incluyendo bibliografía original y actualizada. Nivel de Evidencia: V

The Editorial Committee wants to provide its readers with an update on the commonly used scales. The use of tables and scales is a widespread practice in Orthopedics and Traumatology. The measurement and quantification of clinical, functional, and radiographic aspects have become essential tools for decision-making in different aspects of healthcare activity. We carried out a review of the most used scales, defining their use and including original and updated literature. Level of Evidence: V

Puntajes I / Scores I

El Comité Editorial quiere brindar a sus lectores una actualización de las escalas de uso corriente. El empleo de tablas y escalas es una práctica muy extendida en la Ortopedia y Traumatología. La medición y la cuantificación de los aspectos clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos se convirtieron en una herramienta imprescindible para la toma de decisiones en diferentes aspectos de la actividad asistencial. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de las escalas más utilizadas, definiendo su uso e incluyendo bibliografía original y actualizada. Nivel de Evidencia: V

The Editorial Committee wants to provide its readers with an update on the commonly used scales. The use of tables and scales is a widespread practice in Orthopedics and Traumatology. The measurement and quantification of clinical, functional, and radiographic aspects have become an essential tool for decision-making in different aspects of healthcare activity. We carry out a review of the most used scales, defining their use and including original and updated literature. Level of Evidence: V

Puntajes III / Scores III

El Comité Editorial quiere brindar a sus lectores una actualización de las escalas de uso corriente. El empleo de tablas y escalas es una práctica muy extendida en la Ortopedia y Traumatología. La medición y la cuantificación de los aspectos clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos se convirtieron en una herramienta imprescindible para la toma de decisiones en diferentes aspectos de la actividad asistencial. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de las escalas más utilizadas, definiendo su uso e incluyendo bibliografía original y actualizada. Nivel de Evidencia: V

The Editorial Committee wants to provide its readers with an update on the commonly used scales. The use of tables and scales is a widespread practice in Orthopedics and Traumatology. The measurement and quantification of clinical, functional, and radiographic aspects has become an essential tool for decision-making in different aspects of healthcare activity. We carry out a review of the most used scales, defining their use and including original and updated literature. Level of Evidence: V

Puntajes V. Columna Vertebral / Scores V. Spine

El Comité Editorial quiere brindar a los lectores de la RAAOT una actualización de las escalas de uso corriente. El empleo de tablas y escalas es una práctica muy extendida en la ortopedia y traumatología. La medición y la cuantificación de los aspectos clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos se convirtieron en una herramienta imprescindible para la toma de decisiones en diferentes aspectos de la actividad asistencial. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de las escalas más utilizadas, definimos su uso e incluimos bibliografía original y actualizada. Nivel de Evidencia: V

The Editorial Committee wants to provide its readers with an update on the commonly used scales. The use of tables and scales is a widespread practice in Orthopedics and Traumatology. The measurement and quantification of clinical, functional, and radiogra-phic aspects have become an essential tool for decision-making in different aspects of healthcare activity. We carry out a review of the most used scales, defining their use and including original and updated literature. Level of Evidence: V

Puntajes IV / Scores IV

El Comité Editorial quiere brindar a los lectores de la RAAOT una actualización de las escalas de uso corriente. El empleo de tablas y escalas es una práctica muy extendida en la ortopedia y traumatología. La medición y la cuantificación de los aspectos clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos se convirtieron en una herramienta imprescindible para la toma de decisiones en diferentes aspectos de la actividad asistencial. Llevamos a cabo una revisión de las escalas más utilizadas, definimos su uso e incluimos bibliografía original y actualizada. Nivel de Evidencia: V

The Editorial Committee wants to provide its readers with an update on the commonly used scales. The use of tables and scales is a widespread practice in Orthopedics and Traumatology. The measurement and quantification of clinical, functional, and radiographic aspects have become an essential tool for decision-making in different aspects of healthcare activity. We carry out a review of the most used scales, defining their use and including original and updated literature. Level of Evidence: V

Histiocytosis in the pediatric spine: a clinical and radiographic analysis of 50 patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, retrospective. Scientific level of evidence IV. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate a consecutive case series of 50 pediatric patients with LCH of the spine. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells in different organs. Incidence in children range from 2 to 10 cases per million. In the current literature, few series evaluate LCH in the pediatric spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A consecutive case series of 50 pediatric patients with LCH of the spine treated at our hospital between 1984 and 2016, with a follow-up of at least 2 years, was analyzed. Sex, age, clinical and radiographic presentation, number of lesions, treatment, complications, and outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty patients, 26 boys and 24 girls, were evaluated. Mean age was 5 years and 2 months (6 months to 13 years and 3 months). 27 patients had a single spinal lesion while 23 had 2 or more lesions. A total of 100 vertebrae were involved. The thoracic spine was the most affected. The most frequent lesion location was in the vertebral body in 88% of the cases. The symptoms were pain (87%), reduced range of motion, deformity, and neurologic deficit. Biopsy was performed in 48 patients. Thirty-nine patients received medical treatment, 28 used orthoses and six required surgery. Six patients (12%) recurred at a mean of 3 years and 5 months (range 2-12 years). In all cases, neurological symptoms, torticollis, and deformities resolved after medical or surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the variable presentation of the disease, ranging from a solitary isolated vertebral lesion to polyostotic and multisystemic involvement, a multidisciplinary team is required to have an adequate management of these patients and to obtain good results.

Infection Recurrence in Instrumented Spinal Fusion in Children.

STUDY DESIGN: Level 4 retrospective case series. OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the main complications of instrumented spinal fusion. The aim of our study was to evaluate infection recurrence (same bacteria) or reinfection (different bacteria) in posterior spinal fusion in children. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patients who were successfully treated for SSI after instrumented spinal fusion due to deformity, with irrigation and debridement (I&D) procedures, followed by antibiotic therapy, with a follow-up of at least 2 years. RESULTS: Overall, 29 patients with a mean age of 14 + 3 years were evaluated. Preoperative diagnosis was nonidiopathic scoliosis in 23, idiopathic scoliosis in 5, and Scheuermann's disease in 1 patient. The etiology was Gram-positive cocci (40.9%), Gram-negative bacilli (27.2%), and polymicrobial infection (31.8%). A mean of 1.5 (1-3) I&D procedures were performed. Intravenous antibiotic treatment was given for a mean of 15.8 (4-86) days, followed by oral treatment for a mean of 335.1 (0-1095) days. Mean follow-up was 5 + 2 years (2 to 14 + 7 years) during which 28 patients were cured (96.6%) and 1 patient developed reinfection (3.4%). This reinfection was treated with oral clindamycin for 6 months. After the infection persisted, the decision was to remove the implants. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of 29 pediatric patients who underwent instrumented spinal fusion due to deformity, we reported one case of reinfection (3.4%). Given that 96.6% of infections were resolved, we suggest treatment with I&D procedures with retention of implants to treat acute SSI.

Selective Fusion in Lenke 1 B/C: Before or After Menarche?

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, comparative study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the radiological behavior of the lumbar curve in selective fusions in premenarchal girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (Lenke 1 B/C). METHODS: A retrospective, comparative study was conducted. Selective fusion was performed in 21 patients younger than 18 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, after menarche (n = 12) and group B, before menarche (n = 9). Angles (preoperative, and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively) of the fused thoracic curves and the corresponding lumbar curves were measured and compared. For statistical analysis, the t test was used with a significance level of P < .05. RESULTS: Mean preoperative angle value of the proximal/main thoracic curve was 61° in group A and 57° in group B (P = .44), and 21° and 20°, respectively, in the first year postoperatively (P = .61). Mean preoperative angle value of the lumbar curve was 43° in group A and 42° in group B (P = .87), while at 1 year after surgery, this curve was 19° in both groups (P = 0.91), and at 2 years postoperatively, the curve was 16° in group A and 17° in group B (P = .75). CONCLUSIONS: Over a 2-year follow-up, we did not find significant radiological differences in lumbar curves between patients who underwent surgery before and after menarche.

Surgical treatment of segmental spinal dysgenesis: a report of 19 cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical presentation, surgical management, long-term results, and complications in patients with segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD). In addition, we sought to emphasize early surgery for this complex congenital abnormality. SSD is a rare congenital malformation characterized by focal stenosis, spinal subluxation, kyphosis, and absence of the nerve roots. Neurologic function ranges from normal to complete paraplegia. Progression of the deformity and neurologic deterioration is the rule. METHODS: An independent spinal surgeon reviewed the complete records of 19 patients with SSD, between 1998 and 2015 at a single institution. Mean follow-up was 10 years and 6 months (2-14 years). RESULTS: We evaluated 11 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 2 years and 9 months (5 months-15 years). The dysgenetic segment involved an average of 2.9 vertebrae (1-5); the upper thoracic region was most commonly involved in ten cases. Fifteen patients had severe spinal stenosis. 14 patients presented neurological deficits and 15 patients had associated organ and musculoskeletal anomalies.Twenty-seven surgeries were performed, a mean of 1.76 procedures (1-5) to obtain solid fusion. Neurologic function improved in four, deteriorated in three, and remained unchanged in 12 patients Seven complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend decompression and fusion as soon as possible to preserve or prevent neurologic deterioration. Although challenging, it was possible to achieve a solid instrumented fusion in all cases; however, a high rate of patients may deteriorate or not recover neurological status after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV evidence.

Long-term results of hemivertebra excision: How does the spine behave after the peak of puberty?

INTRODUCTION: Early hemivertebra (HV) excision and posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is advocated as the treatment of choice in congenital kyphoscoliosis. We assessed global spinal balance and spinal deformity status once the pubertal peak has taken place, in children with a history of HV excision and PSF at age younger than 5 years. METHODS: Twenty-seven children with congenital kyphoscoliosis without co-existing proximal/distal congenital spinal abnormalities who underwent HV excision and PSF of ≤ 5 levels at age younger than 5 years and who had reached the peak of puberty at the last follow-up visit were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-seven HV excision were performed. Mean age at surgery was 3 years and 2 months. A mean of 3.2 segments were fused. Imbalance of the trunk was observed in 80% of thoracic and 75% of thoracolumbar HV excision. No arthrodesis technique (4 cases) presented 100% of spine decompensation. All children younger than 2 years at the time of surgery developed spinal imbalance. Eighteen patients (67%) had global spine imbalance; 81% male population and 63% of the female population. Mean age at surgery was 3 years + 2 months. Mean age of the patients at the time of the study was 15 years + 5 months. Mean follow-up was 12 years + 3 months. CONCLUSION: Many of these patients developed spinal imbalance and scoliosis worsened at the final follow-up. Early age at surgery, preoperative scoliosis severity, HV location, no arthrodesis technique, and the adding-on phenomenon may be involved.

Crecimiento guiado con barras magnéticas en pacientes con escoliosis de inicio temprano. Reporte preliminar / Guided growth with magnetic rods in early onset scoliosis. Preliminary report

Introducción: El tratamiento de las escoliosis de inicio temprano guiado con barras magnéticas permite realizar distracciones no invasivas y ambulatorias. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar nuestra primera serie de casos con escoliosis de inicio temprano tratados con el sistema de barras magnéticas. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de casos tratados con el sistema de barras magnéticas entre 2014 y 2018. Se formaron dos grupos: grupo I (procedimientos primarios con barras magnéticas) y grupo II (conversiones de sistema tradicional a barras magnéticas). Resultados: Se evaluó a 19 pacientes. La edad promedio en el momento de la cirugía era de 7 años y 4 meses, con un seguimiento promedio de 2 años y 7 meses. El grupo I tenía 12 pacientes y el grupo II, 7 pacientes. Los valores angulares promedio preoperatorio y posoperatorio inmediato de la escoliosis fueron 62° y 42°, respectivamente; los de cifosis, 49° y 34°, respectivamente. La distancia T1-T12 fue de 160 a 176 mm. La distancia T1-S1 fue de 285 a 317 mm. Hubo una complicación: protrusión del implante e infección, y fue necesario retirar el material (grupo II). Conclusiones: Los resultados preliminares sugieren que es un método seguro y eficaz. Si bien los resultados a corto y mediano plazo son alentadores, persisten algunos desafíos importantes e incógnitas en relación con el comportamiento mecánico del implante en un seguimiento prolongado. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Early onset scoliosis (EOS) treatment with the magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) system allows for the use of non-invasive outpatient distractions. The purpose of this study was to assess our first series of EOS patients treated with MCGRs. Materials and methods: We conducted a review of EOS cases treated with MCGRs between 2014 and 2018. The study population was divided into two groups: Group I, patients undergoing primary MCGR insertion; Group II, patients undergoing conversion from conventional growth system to MCGR. Results: The study population consisted of 19 patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 7 years and 4 months, with an average post-operative follow-up of 2 years and 7 months. Group I consisted of 12 patients and Group II of 7 patients. The mean preoperative scoliosis angle was 62° and immediate postoperatively was 42°. The mean preoperative kyphosis angle was 49°and immediate postoperatively was 34°. The average preoperative T1-T12 length was 160mm and immediate postoperatively was 176mm. The average preoperative T1-S1 length was 285mm and immediate postop-eratively was 317mm. There was 1 late complication, an implant protrusion with an associated infection, in a neuropathic scoliosis patient (Group II) who required implant removal. Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that the MCGR system is a safe and effective method. Although the short- and medium-term results are encouraging, further studies are warranted to overcome important and unknown challenges regarding the mechanical behavior of the implant in the long term. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Scoliosis in spinal muscular atrophy: is the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging necessary?

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of intraspinal alterations in scoliosis due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study. Fifty-six patients with SMA diagnosis required surgical treatment due to scoliosis. INCLUSION CRITERIA: scoliosis/kyphoscoliosis > 50 degrees in the coronal plane, clinical characteristics of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, accurate diagnosis by means of molecular or genetic study. Prior to the spinal surgery, and to find related intraspinal alterations, MRI of the spine and posterior cranial fossa was performed. RESULTS: Forty females, 16 males, mean age 11 years (range 6-14 years). 94% of the patients had Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2. The mean angle value was 81 degrees (range 53-122 degrees) in the coronal plane and 62 degrees (range 35-80 degrees) in the sagittal plane. The prevalence of intraspinal alterations was 1.78%. One patient with cervical hydromyelia and no neurological surgical procedure prior to the spinal deformity surgery was reported. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of preoperative planning and strategy of patients with scoliosis due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, MRI may have not to be requested.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk pediatric spine surgery: Is cefazolin enough?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To describe pathogens found in SSI during pediatric-instrumented spine surgery, and to assess the relationship between pathogens and the etiology of the spinal deformity. Surgical site infection (SSI) after pediatric spine fusion is a well-known complication with incidence rates between 0.5 and 42%, associated with the patient underlying disorder. Pathogens involved in SSI seem to be related to patient characteristics, such as the etiology of the spinal deformity. GNB (gram-negative bacilli) are more frequent in neuropathic, muscular, and syndromic conditions. High-risk pediatric patients with a spine deformity undergoing instrumented surgery might benefit from receiving perioperative intravenous prophylaxis for GNB. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at our tertiary-care pediatric hospital from January 2010 to January 2017. We reviewed records of all episodes of SSI that occurred in the first 12 months postoperatively. All patients who underwent instrumented spine surgery were included in this study. RESULTS: We assessed 1410 pediatric-instrumented spine surgeries; we identified 68 patients with deep SSIs, overall rate of 4.8%. Mean age at instrumented spine surgery was 12 years and 9 months. Time elapsed between instrumented surgery and debridement surgery was 28.8 days. Cultures were positive in 48 and negative in 20. Of the 48 positive culture results, 41 (72%) were GNB, 12 (21%) gram-positive cocci (GPC), three (5%) gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC), and one (2%) coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Of the 68 patients with primary SSIs, 46 were considered to have a high risk of infection, which reported GNB in 81%, GPC in 15%, GPAC in 2%, and CoNS in 2%. CONCLUSION: Cefazolin prophylaxis covers GPC and CoNS, but GNB with unreliable effectiveness. Gram-negative pathogens are increasingly reported in SSIs in high-risk patients. Adding prophylaxis for GNB in high-risk patients should be taken into account when considering spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Inpatient versus outpatient halo-gravity traction in children with severe spinal deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, comparative study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the results, complications, and costs of preoperative halo-gravity traction in in- and outpatient settings. BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical management of severe spinal deformities remains complex and controversial. Preoperative halo-gravity traction results in a decreased need for aggressive surgical techniques, lower incidence of intraoperative neurologic complications, and improvement of nutritional parameters and preoperative cardiopulmonary function. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients younger than 18 years with kyphoscoliosis undergoing preoperative halo-gravity traction were divided into two groups: inpatients (n: 15) and outpatients (n: 14, home care or care at the Foundation). Traction time (weeks), traction weight (kg), radiographic curve correction, complications, and costs were compared. For statistical analysis, t test and odds ratio were calculated with a significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean traction time was 6 weeks for in- and 4 weeks for outpatients (p = 0.038). Initial traction weight was 6 kg in both groups, while final traction weight was 13 kg for in- and 15 kg for outpatients (p = 0.50). At the end of the traction period, coronal correction was 24° in in- and 28° in outpatients (p = 0.5), while sagittal correction was 27° and 29°, respectively (p = 0.80). Pin loosening was observed in 2 patients in each group, of whom 1 outpatient developed pin-site infection. In each group, one patient developed transient neurologic complications (odds ratio 1.091). Mean treatment cost per patient was 2.8-fold higher in inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Considering complications and costs, our results show that preoperative halo-gravity traction in an outpatient setting is an option to be taken into account. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Grade III.