Halogravity traction in the preoperative treatment of scoliosis in twins with Marfan syndrome.

ABSTRACT

We report on the influence of the duration of halogravity traction for achieving curve correction in monozygotic twins with Marfan syndrome who underwent posterior spinal fusion. Review of the medical charts and standard radiograph analysis of twin girls treated at our department was performed. Halogravity traction with a four-pin skull construct was applied for 3 weeks in twin A and for 2 weeks in twin B with a maximum of 20% body weight used. Both were on a 24-hours-day halogravity traction regime. Achieved thoracic curve correction after halogravity traction was 31% in twin A and 18% in twin B. Although less curve correction after traction was achieved in twin B, this had no significant implications on final postoperative curve correction. Halogravity traction can be a useful tool in the preoperative treatment of scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome if applied for 3 weeks. In order to avoid complications, we propose that lower weights be used with a starting weight of 1.5 kg increased by 1 kg daily until 20% body weight is reached.