Harrington rod instrumentation: a cause of Brown-Sequard syndrome

We describe a child with Brown-Sequard syndrome beginning at C8-T1, immediately following Harrington rod instrumentation for idiopathic scoliosis. We believe this is most likely related to either a common variation of the branches of the anterior spinal artery to one side or due to rupture of the ipsilateral spinal vein. This possible complication should be considered in patients undergoing Harrington rod instrumentation.