Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
Only about 4% to 8% of kids in the United States have Scheuermann's kyphosis, but the physicians at Shriners Children's are skilled at transforming the lives of those who do.
Proven Treatment by Experienced Physicians to Correct Severe Spine Conditions
Halo traction is typically a first step in correcting severe scoliosis, kyphosis, and other spine deformities. Children remain in the hospital the entire time they are in traction, typically three to eight weeks. After halo traction, children usually have spinal fusion surgery to permanently stabilize the spine. Halo traction reduces the risk of damaging the nerves or soft tissues that surround and support the spine during surgery.
Shriners Children's skilled physicians use this treatment to carefully pull a child's head and spine upward, applying a slow stretch. The treatment works by attaching a metal ring that surrounds the head – called a halo – to a pulley system. This pulling is called "traction."
While in halo traction at Shriners Children's, your child will receive personalized and individual physical, occupational and respiratory therapy. It's all part of our child-centered, all-under-one-roof treatment philosophy.
Halo traction treatment can be stressful for the entire family. Those stressors can include fears about your child's future and insecurity about making the right decisions while perhaps being apart from family members. Be reassured that if your child is being treated with halo traction, you'll have a Shriners Children's care team to guide you. Your team understands the concerns of children and parents navigating this journey.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
The thing that’s most impressive here is exactly how much people care about your child.
Locations That Offer Halo Traction
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Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
Let Us Help Ease Your Child's Worries
At Shriners Children's, the trained specialists in our Child Life department work hard to help ease your child's fears and anxieties every step of the way. They work with you and your child to teach coping strategies and distraction therapy with tools such as virtual reality goggles and guided meditation. These specialists are knowledgeable in child development and work in collaboration with physicians, nurses and other health professionals to help care for your child's emotional, developmental and cultural needs.
Conditions We Treat
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Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved sideways. With advanced treatments and world-class expertise, Shriners Children's cares for more than 10,000 children with scoliosis each year
Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.