Combined Dwyer and Harrington instrumentation and fusion in the treatment of selected patients with painful adult idiopathic scoliosis.

Five patients with painful adult idiopathic scoliosis and double structural curve patterns were treated by combined Dwyer and Harrington instrumentation and fusion. The goal of treatment, achieved in all 5 cases, was elimination of pain, stabilization of the spine, and restoration of torso balance. The thoracic curve was corrected an average of 24%, and the lumbar curve, 46%. The loss of correction was only 5 degrees at followup. There were no pseudoarthroses and no complications.