Posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Three hundred and nineteen patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were treated by posterior spinal fusion over an eight year period. The changes in preoperative correction and surgical techniques are reviewed. The anaesthetic technique using induced hypotension and the postoperative routine are described. The amount of deformity and its correction at operation and postoperatively is discussed by reference to Cobb angles. The early and late complications are reviewed.