Paralysis as a result of traction for the treatment of scoliosis: a forgotten lesson from history.
METHODS
Literature review.


METHODS
Europe with special reference to France.


OBJECTIVE
To review the treatment of spinal deformity in nineteenth century Europe and explain the high incidence of paralysis as a result of forceful traction of the spinal column to treat scoliosis in France as compared with other European countries.


CONCLUSIONS
Although well described in the nineteenth century French medical literature, the dangers of forceful traction on the spinal column to correct spinal deformity were not recognized in Europe or the USA until the halofemoral traction method of treatment was used in the 1970s.
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire, UK.
M-F
MF
Weiner
J R
JR
Silver
D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008488:Medical Illustration / Q000266:history; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000266:history*; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy*; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000266:history*