Instrumentation of the spine for fracture dislocations in children

13 children, ages 11-16 years, sustained severe compression fractures or fracture dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine. All cases were treated with Harrington instrumentation with fusion and six also had decompressive laminectomy. All injuries had significant instability and neurologic deficits (nine complete). Follow-up of 2-10 years is provided for analysis of maintenance of reduction and neurologic improvement. This technique appears to offer stability, reduction of orthopedic defects, and assumption of a more aggressive rehabilitation program without introducing significant operative morbidity or neurologic deficit.