Perioperative Halo-Gravity Traction in the Treatment of Scoliosis with Intraspinal Anomalies.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of preoperative halo-gravity traction and one-stage posterior surgery for the treatment of scoliosis with intramedullary anomalies. METHODS: A total of 11 scoliosis patients with intramedullary anomalies were evaluated. All patients were treated with preoperative halo-gravity traction and one-stage posterior surgery. The average age was 11.4 years (range, 7-21 years). All patients followed up for at least 2 years (mean: 3.5 years; range, 2-5 years). Their radiologic presentations and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: The operating time was 7.9 hours, and the intraoperative bleeding amount was 1890 mL. Both the Cobb angle of scoliosis and kyphosis were significantly improved after halo-gravity traction and the operation (P<0.05). Tethered cords were released, and intraspinal masses (neurofibromatosis and lipoma) were excised. Syringomyelia and split spinal cord malformations were left untreated. None of the patients experienced deterioration in their neurologic status after surgery. No severe complications, such as infection, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, failed internal fixation, or fractured pedicle screws or rods, occurred after the operation. There was no deterioration of neurological function, delayed infection, or pseudo-arthrosis during the follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative halo-gravity traction and one-stage posterior surgery provided patients who had scoliosis and intramedullary anomalies an effective and safe treatment option with few complications.