Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) instrumentation for the correction of spinal curvature. First results in special consideration...

At the University of Innsbruck, Department of Orthopedics, 30 scoliosis patients were operated on using the surgical method according to Cotrel-Dubousset in the period of May 1986-December 1987. For the correction of the curvature this instrumentation uses both distractive as well as transverse forces and attains such an unusual primary stability that postoperative immobilization by brace becomes unnecessary. In addition, it permits the three-dimensional correction of scoliosis curvatures. With an average preoperative measurement of 65.4 degrees and a postoperatively measured angle of 23.8 degrees the correction achieved is 64%. Rotation of the scoliosis was reduced by 39%. Our experiences with the application of the described method of operation and the pertinent complications are described below.