A COMPARISON OF WISCONSIN INSTRUMENTATION AND COTREL-DUBOUSSET INSTRUMENTATION

Twenty-six patients who underwent Wisconsin instrumentation and 36 pat ients who underwent Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (CDI) for idiopat hic scoliosis were studied. Inclusion in the study required at least 2 4-month follow-up. Variables compared included operating time, blood l oss, frontal plane correction, axial and sagittal plane changes, effec ts on compensation, and complications. In general, operating time, blo od loss, and instrumentation problems were greater with CDI. Thoracic curve correction in King II curves was better with CDI. There was no a dvantage to either system with respect to sagittal plane alignment or rotation. When all factors were considered, a significant advantage to use of CDI could not be demonstrated.