Operative treatment of scoliosis with harrington instrumentation technique

Abstract

Thirty-five patients with scoliosis were treated with posterior fusion including the Harrington instrumentation technique. the operation was followed by a 1-year period of treatment in a Milwaukee brace. the patients had a thoracic or a thoracolumbar curve averaging 74° the mean initial correction was 45 per cent, and the mean final correction 33 per cent, after 2 3/4 years. There were no cases of pseudarthrosis and only one case of transient paresis. There were no deaths. It is concluded that these results are satisfactory and that the method is a safe one in experienced hands. © 1978 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.