[The scintigraphic diagnosis of pseudo-arthroses following Harrington's spondylodesis (author's transl)]

The development of pseudo-arthroses is the most common complication following operative treatment of severe scoliosis. Early recognition of this event is important to prevent recurrence of the curvature. The diagnosis is not possible by radiological examination of the rigid spine. Routine reexploration implies a second operation, which is unnecessary in the majority of patients with stable fusion. In an attempt to develop a non-invasive method for the diagnosis of pseudo-arthroses, bone scintigrams were carried out in 29 patients with idiopathic scoliosis twelve months after a Harrington's spondylodesis. In 24 patients (82.8%) a definite conclusion could be drawn, either of stable fusion (65.5%) or pseudo-arthrosis formation (17.3%). No pseudo-arthroses were missed by scintigraphy. These results indicate that bone scintigraphy plays an important role in the post-operative care after Harrington's spondylodesis.