[The evaluation of the Harrington technique in the treatment of double-curved scoliosis (author's transl)]. / Evaluation de la technique de Harrington dans le traitement des scolioses doubles.

ABSTRACT

Double-curved scoliosis was present in 18.5 of 750 scolioses operated on at the St. Justine Hospital in Montreal. 128 cases were reviewed with a follow up of more than 3 years. Pre-operative curves measured 61 and 58 degrees on average and post-operative curves measured 27 and 23 degrees. At the time of review, the curves were 39 and 36 degrees. The loss of correction varied with the age of the patient and the severity of deformity. The technique of early ambulation improved the post-operative results. However, it was concluded that compression rods did not provide a better correction of the curve or of the thoracic kyphosis.