[Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis by the Harrington technique. Experience from the Ste-Justine Hospital, Montreal].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the first seven hundred and fifty cases of scoliosis treated surgically by the harrington technique at Ste-Justine Hospital for Children in Montreal since 1964, in regards to modifications of original technique. Five surgeons were involved in the treatment. The mean presurgical angulation was 57.9 degrees; the mean post-surgical angulation was 20 degrees representing an immediate gain of 37.9 degrees. Average loss of correction three years after surgery was 13.3 degrees. Hibbs and Moe type of posterior spine fusion with fresh autogenous iliac bone appears to be the best procedure for maintenance of initial correction, together with early ambulation in a well-molded Risser-Cotrel type of plaster jacket. Prognosis as related to percentage of retained correction is better in girls than boys and also when fused after the age of thirteen years. More correction was obtained and maintained in curves between 30 degrees and 50 degrees. Rate of neurological complications was 0.4%. There was no mortality. There were 3% rod fractures, 5% pseudarthrosis proven at surgery and 5% acute or subacute infections.