What is a Harrington Rod for your back?


Question:


Answers:
It should be used only as a last resort, if the curvature of your spine is so bad that it is actually causing internal organ compression. Before that a Milwaukee braces should be used, and before that physical therapy (specifically E-stim to the convex side of the spine) and chiropractic. I have seen many scoliosis patients butchered with this surgery and it should be considered for cosmetic purposes only.
The Harrington Rod is one of the oldest and most proven forms of spinal instrumentation. It is used to straighten and stabilize the spine when curvature is greater than 60 degrees. It is an appropriate treatment for scoliosis.

Advantages of the Harrington rod are its relative simplicity of installation, the low rate of complications, and a proven record of reducing curvature of the spine. The main disadvantage is that the patient must remain in a body cast for about six months, then wear a brace for another three to six months while the bone fusion solidifies.


More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007 YouQA.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Resources