Early Outcomes of Staged Combined Halo-Pelvic Traction and All-Posterior Kyphectomy for Severe Kyphotic Deformity

Main Article Content

Patrick Leo F. Rebato, MD, FPOA
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1618-8039
Mary Ruth A. Padua, MD, FPOA, FPSS
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5697-4301
Gracia Cielo E. Balce, MD, FPOA
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3427-3225
Frederick Patrick I. Nicomedez, MD, FPOA, FPSS
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4798-4639
Samuel Arsenio M. Grozman, MD, FPOA, FPSS
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9932-6785

Abstract

Severe kyphotic deformity is one of the sequelae of tuberculosis of the spine. When left untreated, patients may develop restrictive lung and heart disease and even neurologic deficits. Surgery is complex and risky, especially in young children. Halo-pelvic traction is a technique reported to decrease complexity, blood loss, operative times, and complication rates of definitive fixation of severe deformities; however, the technique has not been used locally.


This is a case report on a 6-year-old with severe kyphotic deformity secondary to tuberculosis of the spine. The aim was to provide novel insights into the design and application of the halo-pelvic traction construct, combined with an all-posterior surgical technique to achieve deformity correction.


The halo-pelvic traction was able to achieve 26 degrees (35.13%) correction over 35 days with an average daily angular correction of 0.72 degrees per day and daily lengthening at 1.52 mm per day. The patient was able to ambulate with assistance at two weeks and ambulate without assistance at three weeks on the traction construct. At six weeks, vertebral column resection and definitive fixation through an all-posterior approach were done with final angular correction of 49 deg (66.21%). The halo-pelvic construct was maintained as an adjunct to fixation and will be maintained until fusion.


The combined two-staged approach of halo-pelvic traction and vertebral column resection through an all-posterior approach has proven to be effective in this pediatric patient with severe kyphotic deformity.

Article Details

How to Cite
Rebato, P. L., Padua, M. R., Balce, G. C., Nicomedez, F. P., & Grozman, S. A. (2026). Early Outcomes of Staged Combined Halo-Pelvic Traction and All-Posterior Kyphectomy for Severe Kyphotic Deformity. Philippine Journal of Orthopaedics, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.69472/poai.2026.17327
Section
Case Reports/Case Series
Author Biographies

Patrick Leo F. Rebato, MD, FPOA, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Mary Ruth A. Padua, MD, FPOA, FPSS, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Gracia Cielo E. Balce, MD, FPOA, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Division of Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedics, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Frederick Patrick I. Nicomedez, MD, FPOA, FPSS, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Division of Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedics, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Samuel Arsenio M. Grozman, MD, FPOA, FPSS, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

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