Evidence brief
Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
First widely successful scoliosis instrumentation
Distraction-based correction principle
Evolution to modern pedicle screw constructs
Curve correction 50-70% achievable
Fusion to preserve motion at extremes
Harrington's work established surgical principles for scoliosis correction. Modern techniques use pedicle screws but follow similar principles of curve correction and fusion.
Know indications for surgery: Cobb >45-50°, progression despite bracing. Modern technique: pedicle screw fixation. Know Lenke classification for fusion level selection. Discuss correction techniques, neuromonitoring, blood management. Long-term outcomes generally good.
Harrington PR. Treatment of scoliosis. Correction and internal fixation by spine instrumentation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1962;44-A:591-610.
Level IV
Case series or case reports