Article Translations: (Spanish)
Halo-gravity traction is a way to pull the head and spine upward carefully, applying a slow stretch to the spine. Doctors do this by attaching a halo (a metal ring that surrounds the head) to a pulley system. Over several weeks, weights are added to the pulley system to slowly pull the head upward. This pulling is called "traction." Kids stay in the hospital during halo-gravity traction.
Doctors use halo-gravity traction to treat different conditions, including:
For kids with scoliosis or kyphosis, halo-gravity traction is a way to stretch the spine slowly into a straighter position. Doctors usually do it to help a child get ready for a second, bigger surgery, called spinal fusion. This surgery fuses the bones together to hold them in their new, straighter position.
Some children can have spinal fusion surgery without halo traction. But others need it to get ready for surgery because:
A surgeon puts the halo on in a procedure done while a child is under general anesthesia. This means the child sleeps through the surgery. The surgeon attaches the halo with 6–10 small pins. These pins go into the bone and keep the halo from moving.
After the halo is on the head, it's attached to a pulley system with weights. Over several weeks, more weights are added. This slowly pulls the head and spine upward and stretches the muscles and ligaments (bands that hold bones together) around the spine.
During this time, special equipment will help a child sleep, sit, walk around, go to the bathroom, and shower.
Kids may have some pain for the first few days of halo-gravity traction or when more weights are added. Medicine can help relax the muscles and control pain.
Although halo-gravity traction can look a little scary, most kids get used to it quickly. They soon realize they can walk, play, and do many of the same things they did before the halo-gravity traction.
A care team works together to care for kids with halo-gravity traction. The team will prepare the child and family for the hospital stay, take care of them while in the hospital, and follow up with them after they leave.
The care team can include:
Kids stay in the hospital during halo-gravity traction so that:
The care team can show them how to:
Kids with halo-gravity traction are up and moving around most of the day. The care team helps kids get into a regular schedule of physical therapy, going for walks, activities, schoolwork, and games. This helps kids stay active and busy while in the hospital.
While in the hospital, kids will need:
There are risks to any surgery. The care team reviews the risks with families and can answer any questions.
Risks from halo-gravity traction include:
Staying in the hospital for weeks can be tough for kids. If your child is going to have halo-gravity traction, it will help to:
To help your child continue to heal well at home:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com