[Initial experiences with subcutaneous Harrington distraction without spondylodesis in scoliosis]

We report on a special method in the treatment of scoliosis using subcutaneous Harrington-distraction without spondylodesis. We operated 14 patients in all who were between 7 and 12 years old, in average 10 2/12 years Indication is made if scoliosis is extremely progressive, if Cobb's measure is above 50 degrees, after unsuccessful conservative treatment also including orthosis and physiotherapy, or if patients appeared to late in our department. In this technique only two incisions to make are necessary to place the Harrington roots to the cranial and caudal end of the scoliosis curve. The Harrington root can be 'needled' in subcutaneously. When in times of further growth the amount of correction gets noticeably lost the cranial hook could be tightened or the Harrington root could be changed easily. We need an orthosis (Cheneau or Milwaukee) for after treatment until in a final operation with spinal fusion is made. This method has showed good results although we had to cope with a bad prognostic starting position.