Halo gravity spinal traction

What is halo gravity traction?

Halo gravity traction is a treatment used to gently stretch and gradually straighten the spine. It is often used before spinal surgery for children and young people with severe spinal deformities.

A lightweight metal ring, called a halo, is attached securely to the skull using special pins while your child is asleep under a general anaesthetic. Once your child has recovered from the anaesthetic, the halo ring will be attached to a traction pulley system using ropes and carefully calculated weights. The weight will be calculated by the spinal consultant and will depend on your child’s size and weight.

The weights provide a gentle stretching force that slowly improves the position and flexibility of the spine over days or weeks. The spinal team will gradually increase the weight of the traction over several days. This allows your child’s body to adjust safely and comfortably.

Where does halo gravity traction happen?

This procedure happens while your child is in hospital so that the specialists spinal team can monitor their progress.

Your child will be admitted to the Ward 2. Find out more about Ward 2 here..

Traction can be provided:

• in bed
• in a traction wheelchair
• using a traction walker

Why is halo gravity traction used?

Halo gravity traction may be recommended for children and young people with:

• Severe scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine)
• Kyphosis (forward curvature of the spine)
• Congenital spinal deformities
• Torticollis
• Other complex spinal conditions as determined by the spinal team

The aim of halo gravity traction is to:

• improve the shape and flexibility of the spine
• reduce stiffness before surgery
• help improve balance and posture
• reduce the risks associated with corrective spinal surgery

What should we bring to hospital?

As your child may remain in hospital for several weeks, please bring:

• favourite toys, games and comfort items
• electronic devices and chargers
• school work (if your child is old enough)
• loose-fitting clothing
• front-opening shirts, hoodies or pyjamas with buttons or zips (clothing that needs to be pulled over the head can be difficult to put on once the halo is in place)
• toiletries and personal care items
• comfortable footwear

What happens after the halo is fitted?

The halo may feel unusual at first, and some children feel anxious when they first wake up.

The nursing and therapy teams will help your child become comfortable with the equipment.

Some discomfort, headache and neck stiffness is normal during the first few days. We can give your child pain relief medication if they need it.

The spinal team and ward team will closely monitor your child while the traction weight is increased.

The spinal team may:

• regularly assess your child spine and neck strength and movement
• check your child’s sensation in their arms and legs
• review your child’s comfort levels
• request X-rays to monitor progress

Physiotherapy and activity

Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment.

• The physiotherapy team will help your child:
• move safely with the halo system
• transfer between bed and wheelchair
• maintain strength and movement
• continue everyday activities where possible

We encourage children to spend time out of bed whenever it is safe and appropriate.

Eating and drinking

To begin with, your child may find eating and swallowing slightly different as they adjust to the traction position. Most children adapt quickly.

We recommend:

• eating slowly
• taking small bites
• drinking regularly
• telling staff if swallowing becomes difficult

Looking after the pin sites

The nursing and spinal team will check and clean the halo pin sites every day.

They will also show you and your child how you should monitor the pin sites.

Contact the nursing team immediately if you notice:

• redness
• swelling
• increased pain
• discharge or oozing
• a loose pin

Do not attempt to adjust the halo or pins yourself.

Important safety advice

Are there any risks?

As with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with halo gravity traction.

Possible complications include:

• pin site infection
• loose halo pins
• pain around the pin sites
• headaches
• neck or back pain
• skin irritation or pressure areas
• temporary nerve symptoms, such as numbness or weakness
• risks associated with anaesthesia

Your spinal surgeon will discuss these risks with you before treatment begins.

What happens after halo gravity traction?

Once the spinal team has achieved the desired correction, your child may:

Proceed to spinal surgery

The halo is often removed during corrective spinal surgery.

Have a halo vest

Some children require a halo vest following traction and may be discharged home wearing it.

Have the halo removed

The halo may be removed under general anaesthetic, with sedation or in clinic while awake (usually for older children)

After traction is removed

Following removal, your child may need to wear a neck collar for a short period. We will discuss this with you in advance.

Some children have neck weakness after removal, as their muscles haven’t been used as normal whilst the traction is in place. Physiotherapists can offer advice and help for this.

Your spinal surgeon will provide individual advice regarding activities and restrictions for when you go home.

Going home

Before discharge, we will send you:

• information about follow-up appointments
• advice about any activities that your child should avoid
• physiotherapy guidance
• details of any equipment required at home
• contact numbers for further support