The Modernization of Preoperative Correction Methods for Pediatric Patients
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Brenner, Charles
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Abstract
Pediatric scoliosis and kyphosis are defined by abnormal curvatures in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. Moderate cases can be treated with a customized brace, but severe cases require surgical intervention. Candidates for scoliosis corrective surgery have large curvatures that impeded cardiopulmonary function. Corrective surgery occasionally requires preoperative spinal distraction which can decrease curve magnitude and can safely stretch compressed soft tissues over time. The most common form of preoperative correction is Halo Gravity Traction (HGT), in which weights are used to pull up on the patient’s halo with a system of cables, pullies, and gantry. HGT is effective, but diminishes a patient’s quality of life due to limited mobility, access to transportation, education, and age-appropriate play. In addition, the cost of inpatient care is very taxing on patients and their families. Thus, there is a clinical need for a preoperative correction method that increases accessibility, affordability, and overall quality of life. The Halo Intrinsic Traction (HIT) device was developed to meet these needs and improve the current standard of care. HIT builds upon the current method of applying constant, controlled upward force to the patient’s halo, but implements them in a wearable form factor with outpatient capabilities. The HIT device matches the same safety and efficacy standard as the current method in terms of traction magnitude and resolution. In addition, it allows for a clinician to adjust the medial-lateral angle of force imparted in the patient’s halo, which may be advantageous in some clinical scenarios. The development of the HIT system constitutes the modernization of preoperative curvature methods for pediatric patients.
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2022-12-15
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