[Comparative study of the Armstrong and Harrington technics in the treatment of idiopathic scolioses]

Between 1982 and 1985, idiopathic scoliosis was treated by instrumentation using Armstrong's technique, segmental spinal instrumentation (Luque's method) being reserved for neuromuscular scoliosis. Of the 29 patients treated by the technique 22 have been followed up for more than 18 months. Results were compared with those in a similar group of 30 patients operated upon using Harrington's original procedure between 1977 and 1982. This retrospective study complements that of Michel et al., and provided the following results: Although the instrumental correction gain was comparable in the two groups after 2 years, the angular loss was less marked by 3.4 degrees in the Armstrong when compared with the Harrington group. In addition, this mounting offers stability of lumbar contra-curvatures of which there is a lack of deterioration. Horizontalization of the lower load-bearing vertebra was better in the Armstrong group and allowed the choice of a load-bearing vertebra above that of the Harrington's group in two-thirds of cases. The changes in vertebral rotation and gibbosity are supplementary advantages of Armstrong's technique. Postoperative contention is still necessary, whatever technique is used, but the use of a second branch placed in distraction in the convexity is recommended, to improve quality of surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.