OBJECTIVETo assess the effectiveness of Halo-femoral traction after posterior spinal release in the management of Congenital Scoliosis (CS) and Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS).

METHODSSixty consecutive patients with severe and rigid scoliosis treated with anterior spinal release and halo-femoral traction were recruited for this retrospective study. CS group included 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) and IS group has 30 patients (23 females and 7 males). The average coronal Cobb angle of the main curve before operation was 95.7 degrees in CS and 91.6 degrees in IS. The mean thoracic kyphosis was 70.2 degrees in CS and 50.6 degrees in IS. The average period of followed up was 38 months (range 12 - 72 months).

RESULTSThe average traction time was 23 days and weight was 16 kg. The mean Cobb angle correction rate after operation was 57.5% in IS and 45.2% in CS. The correction rate of coronal Cobb angle and kyphosis between IS and CS was statistically significant (t = -2.59, P < 0.05). Four patients experienced brachial plexus palsy and complete nerve functional restoration was achieved at two months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSHalo-femoral traction was a safe, well-tolerated and effective method for the treatment of severe and rigid scoliosis patients.