[Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation in idiopathic scoliosis. Angular results in 70 cases]

The authors have reviewed 70 cases of idiopathic scoliosis operated on following the Cotrel-Dubousset technique between 1984 and 1987. The patients aged 15.2 years in average, presented with a double major curve still in progress at the thoracic or thoraco-lumbar level. The mean pre operative angle was 49 degrees, reducible to 34 degrees on bending. The goals of the method have been reached: in the three dimensional space the correction was selective with an angular gain of 65 per cent in the frontal plane, 34 per cent in the antero posterior plane and 56 per cent in the horizontal plane the technique allowed the suppression of any post operative immobilization, an early weight bearing with resume of social activities.