Halo-Pelvic Traction is used for which type?

• A. C type scoliosis
• B. S-Type scoliosis
• C. Hip fracture
• D. Poliomyelitis sequelae

Answer: (A)

Halo-pelvic traction is a gradual, preoperative method used to lengthen and realign the spine in severe scoliosis. It works best when there is a single primary curve, known as C-type scoliosis, because the traction can evenly pull along the length of that one curve from the skull harness (halo) to the pelvis. By applying continuous traction, the curvature slowly reduces and the spine becomes more flexible, making subsequent surgical correction safer and more effective.

S-type scoliosis, with two curves forming an S-shape, is less amenable to this single-vector traction, since correcting both curves simultaneously is more complex. Hip fracture and poliomyelitis sequelae do not involve a single, rigid scoliosis deformity that halo-pelvic traction addresses, so they aren’t treated with this method.