Correction of Post-Radiotherapy Cervical Kyphotic Deformity by Gradual Halo Traction Followed by Combined Anterior and Posterior Fusion

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Abstract
The article presents a case study on the surgical correction of a severe cervical kyphotic deformity that developed as a post-radiotherapy complication in a pediatric patient. This deformity was treated through a two-stage procedure involving gradual halo traction followed by combined anterior and posterior cervical fusion. The patient, a 15-year-old girl with a history of radiation therapy for a posterior fossa tumor, exhibited significant deformities that compromised her quality of life. Initial halo traction improved the curvature by approximately 60%, after which a 180-degree cervical reconstruction was performed to achieve near-complete correction. The first stage of the surgery involved posterior decompression and occipito-cervical fixation, while the second stage addressed anterior structural support through discectomy and fusion. The multidisciplinary approach led to a stable cervical alignment with notable functional recovery over an 18-month follow-up, including improvements in oral feeding, gaze stability, and motor function. The article discusses the complexities of managing radiation-induced spinal deformities in pediatric patients, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and a comprehensive surgical approach to optimize long-term outcomes

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