Paralytic scoliosis in growing children

Forty-seven consecutive patients younger than eight years of age were treated for scoliosis with Harrington rods and segmental wiring, without any external immobilization. The series included 38 postpoliomyelitis patients, six muscular dystrophy patients, and three paraplegics. The average correction was 78%, with an average loss of 8% per case. Follow-up averaged four years eight months. Growth in the area of immobilization averaged 4.6 cm. Four patients (9%) had complications after the first surgery, ten (48%) after the second surgery, and three (75%) after the third surgery. Fractured Harrington bars represented 7.5% of the complications after the first surgery, 35% after the second surgery, and 50% after the third surgery. Growth potential was partially preserved after subperiosteal dissection and segmental wiring. Good correction was obtained with the method, but Harrington bars broke and two to three supplementary operations were needed to accomodate for growth of the spine.