Benefits of the Harrington compression system in lumbar and thoracolumbar idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents and adults.

: Adolescent and adult scoliosis exhibits deformity present in all three planes of orientation, but the principal correcting effect of the Harrington distraction system is in the frontal plan. Sagittal and horizontal deformity was addressed by adding the compression system. Twenty patients were treated with combined apparatus. The mean preoperative frontal curve was 52 degrees, and the mean postoperative curve was 16 degrees. The average preoperative tilt angel was 31 degrees, and the average postoperative angle was 8 degrees. Thoracolumbar kyphosis was reduced, and lumbar lordosis was maintained. The combined apparatus addresses the triplanar curvature more effectively than the single distraction system.