LONG-TERM RESULTS OF HARRINGTON INSTRUMENTATION IN IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

The long-term effect of Harrington instrumentation was investigated us ing posteroanterior radiographs and computed tomographic measurements preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a mean follow-up at 10.8 years in 33 patients with idiopathic scoliosis. No patient was lost from lo ng-term follow-up. At follow-up, the mean Cobb angle was improved by 2 3.7 (40%) compared with the preoperative findings. The rotation of the apical vertebra was increased significantly. The rib hump, the transl ation of the apical vertebra, and the sagittal diameter of the thoraci c cage were unchanged. At follow-up, the mean thoracic kyphosis was 17 .3, and lumbar lordosis was 22.0. This study demonstrated that the lon g-term effect of Harrington instrumentation was limited to an improved Cobb angle; no correction of the rotational or sagittal deformities w ere achieved.