Clinical efficacy of dual growing rods technique with preoperative halo-femoral traction in the treatment of early onset scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the dual growing rods (DGR) technique combined with preoperative halo-femoral traction (HFT) in treating early onset scoliosis (EOS), with a focus on spinal deformity correction, preservation of spinal growth, and complication management. The integral role of preoperative HFT in enabling DGR implantation for severe rigid curves was a primary focus of the analysis.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 42 EOS patients treated with the DGR technique, with a mean follow-up of 38.10 ± 12.95 months. Radiographic parameters-including Cobb angle, T1-S1 distance, apical vertebral translation (AVT), and sagittal alignment-were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up. Complications were recorded and analyzed. Subgroup analysis compared patients with and without preoperative HFT.

RESULTS

At final follow-up, the main Cobb angle correction rate was 64.30% ± 17.51%, and the T1-S1 distance increased significantly (p < 0.05), indicating preserved spinal growth. The overall complication rate was 19.1% (8/42), including screw loosening or displacement (n = 3), hook disengagement (n = 2), proximal junctional kyphosis (n = 2), and wound-healing issues (n = 2). No significant association was found between complications and age, etiology, or HFT use (p > 0.05). Patients undergoing preoperative HFT showed improved spinal flexibility, enabling successful DGR placement despite severe rigidity.

CONCLUSION

The DGR technique combined with preoperative HFT is a safe and effective treatment for EOS, achieving substantial deformity correction and supporting spinal growth. Preoperative HFT is a necessary adjunct for severe rigid deformities, directly enabling DGR implantation and enhancing correction efficacy.