Giving 15-Year-Old Chloe Back Her Independence Thanks To Innovative Equipment

15-year-old Chloe has become the first patient to use the new charity-funded Halo Traction Gravity machine at our hospital, giving her back her independence while she waited for life-changing spinal surgery.

Four years ago, Chloe’s ballet teacher noticed that her shoulder blade was sticking out and that her spine looked slightly curved. Doctors confirmed she had scoliosis, but unfortunately, the curve was already too pronounced to be straightened without surgery.

As the curve in Chloe’s spine progressed, she started getting severe lower back pain and even standing for a long time became excruciating. Eventually, Chloe and her family decided that surgery was the only option.

Because the ‘S’-shaped curve in Chloe’s spine was so severe, Chloe’s spine needed to be stretched and straightened gradually before she could have her spinal fusion surgery. She was referred to our hospital for spinal traction, using the brand new, charity-funded Halo Gravity Traction Machine.

The process involves a ‘halo ring’ being attached to the patient’s skull, and weights being added which, using gravity, will slowly lengthen the spine. Our previous machine needed a parent, carer or nurse to manually add or remove 25kg weights between the patient’s specialised wheelchair, walker, and bed – a task which proved strenuous and painful. The machine therefore limited mobility and independence, making it significantly harder for patients to move around.

The new system uses springs instead of weights, making it easier to use and allowing patients like Chloe to move around much more independently, using a wheelchair and walker. For Chloe, this improved equipment has meant more than supporting her treatment. It’s given her the freedom to get out of bed, move around and enjoy fresh air and sunshine, during what would otherwise be a long and challenging hospital stay.

Chloe has now had her spinal surgery, which has thankfully been a success. She is so proud to be the first patient to use the new equipment and hopes that future children who need spinal traction will learn from her experience and feel less afraid.

Chloe said: “I’m incredibly thankful. I don’t know how I would have coped without the new Halo Gravity Traction system. If I’d have had to spend the last 11 weeks in bed, not being able to move around, it would have been really horrible.”

Michelle Devlin, a nurse on Chloe’s ward, said: “It’s been absolutely amazing to have the new Halo Gravity Traction Machine. It’s much easier to use, less physically demanding, and we can train up families to use it more quickly. This means patients can get away from the wards, spend quality time with their loved ones and take a break, which is so important for their mental health.”

Thanks to our generous supporters, patients like Chloe can approach their treatment with greater independence, boosting their morale and hopes for the future.