Evaluation the Results of Harington Rod Instrumentation in Correction of Schuermann Kyphosis Surgery

Abstract

Introduction & Objective: Before using multi hook segmental fixation in schuerman kyphosis (SK) surgery, instrumentation by harington rod (H.R) was common. Materials & Methods: In this study we evaluated the complication and pre and post surgical kyphosis in 26 SK patients who had anterior release and anterior fusion and then halofemoral traction and finally posterior fusion and instrumentation by Harington compression rod, in Shafa Yahyaian Hospital from 1976 till 2001. All of their documents were available in hospital archive and had minimum acceptable follow up. Results: No major complication was noted. One infection and one Harington rod fracture was noted, which they cured by appropriate treatment. Mean degree of thoracic kyphosis was 94 and after surgery it was 43. Conclusion: It seems that most prominent failure was overcorrection after surgery, so sometimes it reached to below 35 degree.

Keywords

• halofemoral traction
• harington compression rod
• schuermann kyphosis