Halo intrinsic traction (HIT) device for preoperative curvature correction of severe pediatric scoliosis and/or kyphosis

A halo intrinsic traction system comprising:

• a first support configured to attach to a head portion of a patient;
• a second support configured to attach to a body portion of a patient, the body portion being below a cervical region of a spine of the patient;
• a support connection assembly configured to physically connect the first and second supports, the support connection assembly comprising horizontal rails;
• an overhead bar;
• and
• an actuation assembly positioned superior to the horizontal rails and configured to connect to the overhead bar and generate an expansion force between the first and second supports;
• wherein:
• a location of the actuation assembly is such that the expansion force is transferred to the first support from above the first support;
• a location of the second support provides for transfer of the expansion force below the cervical region of the spine;
• and
• the actuation assembly comprises a first actuator comprising an adjustment actuator configured to adjust a magnitude of the expansion force between the first and second supports.