VERTEBRAL BODY RECONSTRUCTION WITH A MODIFIED HARRINGTON ROD DISTRACTION SYSTEM FOR STABILIZATION OF THE SPINE AFFECTED WITH METASTATIC DISEASE

Anterior spinal decompression has become widely used for neoplasia ari sing from the vertebral bodies. Replacement for the resected vertebral body must achieve spinal stability, restitution of lost height, corre ction of kyphotic deformities, and allow for early ambulation. A spina l fixator based on the Harrington ratchet locking system was found to fulfill this requirement. The fixator, its technique of implementation , and surgical results in 10 patients are described.