Halo Gravity Traction for Pediatric Scoliosis and Kyphosis
Course Instructor
Jeff Burmeister
Abstract
Halo gravity traction (HGT) is a critical preoperative intervention used to manage severe pediatric spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis, conditions affecting approximately 9 million children worldwide. Severe spinal curvature can compromise thoracic volume, compress abdominal organs, and impair nutrient absorption, often leading to malnutrition and poor physical development in children. HGT mitigates these complications by gradually elongating the spine over a four week period, applying controlled axial tension up to 50% of the patient’s body weight. This reduces surgical risks, improves pulmonary and gastrointestinal function, and enhances overall patient outcomes.
In collaboration with Shriners Hospitals for Children, our biomedical engineering team developed an improved modern HGT walker system focused on safety, usability, and clinical precision. The device utilizes telescoping poles with 4 inch spacing between mounting holes, enabling easy height adjustments to accommodate patients over 5'6" comfortably while maintaining adequate tension. Tension is regulated through a double shackle pulley system integrated with springs in parallel. Furthermore, proximity sensors were added to our traction device to warn patients before potential collisions while on traction, enhancing patient spatial awareness.
Our HGT device brings together key biomedical and mechanical engineering principles to create a practical, easy to maintain, and patient-centered design. By redesigning the traditional halo traction setup, we’ve made real improvements in how pediatric spinal deformities are managed—and in reducing the complications that come with them. We also gave careful attention to the look and feel of the device, adding a clean, simple cover that makes it less intimidating and more approachable. Altogether, we believe these updates can make a real difference in both clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience.
Halo Gravity Traction for Pediatric Scoliosis and Kyphosis
Halo gravity traction (HGT) is a critical preoperative intervention used to manage severe pediatric spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis, conditions affecting approximately 9 million children worldwide. Severe spinal curvature can compromise thoracic volume, compress abdominal organs, and impair nutrient absorption, often leading to malnutrition and poor physical development in children. HGT mitigates these complications by gradually elongating the spine over a four week period, applying controlled axial tension up to 50% of the patient’s body weight. This reduces surgical risks, improves pulmonary and gastrointestinal function, and enhances overall patient outcomes.
In collaboration with Shriners Hospitals for Children, our biomedical engineering team developed an improved modern HGT walker system focused on safety, usability, and clinical precision. The device utilizes telescoping poles with 4 inch spacing between mounting holes, enabling easy height adjustments to accommodate patients over 5'6" comfortably while maintaining adequate tension. Tension is regulated through a double shackle pulley system integrated with springs in parallel. Furthermore, proximity sensors were added to our traction device to warn patients before potential collisions while on traction, enhancing patient spatial awareness.
Our HGT device brings together key biomedical and mechanical engineering principles to create a practical, easy to maintain, and patient-centered design. By redesigning the traditional halo traction setup, we’ve made real improvements in how pediatric spinal deformities are managed—and in reducing the complications that come with them. We also gave careful attention to the look and feel of the device, adding a clean, simple cover that makes it less intimidating and more approachable. Altogether, we believe these updates can make a real difference in both clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience.
