Uncertainty-Informed Structural Evaluation of a Halo-Gravity Traction Mobility System

Halo-gravity traction (HGT) is widely used as a preoperative treatment for severe pediatric spinal deformities by gradually applying traction forces through a cranial fixation system. Although the clinical effectiveness of HGT has been extensively documented, uncertainty associated with the structural response and operational behavior of mobile HGT systems has received comparatively little attention. This study presents a preliminary coupled clinical–structural uncertainty quantification framework for engineering evaluation of a mobile halo-gravity traction wheelchair. Reduced-order structural and clinical surrogate models are combined with Latin Hypercube Sampling, bounded beta-distributed input variables, third-order Polynomial Chaos Expansion, and Sobol sensitivity analysis. Sixteen uncertain patient, operational, geometric, fabrication, and halo-interface parameters are propagated through models of combined beam–column loading, elastic buckling, welded-joint loading, scenario-based wheelchair tipping stability, halo-pin load concentration, traction delivery, and representative clinical response. Thirty-two alternative beta-distribution shape cases are examined to assess sensitivity to the assumed marginal distribution shapes. Within the investigated bounds and reduced-order modeling assumptions, the computational screening model did not predict loss of the prescribed structural margins. The results identify the parameters governing the different response modes and demonstrate how uncertainty in mobility-related acceleration, support geometry, traction loading, fabrication efficiency, and halo-pin load transfer can be evaluated within a unified framework. Because the model has not yet been validated through dedicated prototype testing or higher-fidelity full-system simulation, the results should be interpreted as uncertainty-informed engineering screening rather than as experimental verification or clinical certification of device safety.