Harrington rod distraction instrumentation: its effect on vertebral rotation and thoracic compensation

The effects of Harrington rod distraction instrumentation on vertebral rotation and thoracic decompensation were investigated radiographically both pre- and post-operatively. A method for semiquantitatively evaluating thoracic decompensation is introduced to serve as an adjunct to the evaluation of spinal deformity. Although little derotation of the vertebrae occurs with lateral correction, thoracic decompensation should be significantly improved.