Harrington instrumentation without arthrodesis and consecutive distraction program for young children with severe spinal deformities. Experience and technical details.

The treatment of severe spinal deformities in childhood is a great challenge. The nonoperative treatment is not always successful, and correction with spinal fusion is not usually the most desirable goal because it may result in a straighter but shorter trunk. Spinal instrumentation without arthrodesis is an alternative to these difficult decisions that allows child growth with control of the deformity. At the same time that there is considerable improvement in the natural history of these deformities, this treatment presents great morbidity. The combination of Harrington instrumentation and consecutive distractions is a difficult program but it has been the best answer for these complicated patients up to now.