Removal of Harrington's distraction apparatus after vertebral arthrodesis.

The author reviews 13 cases of vertebral arthrodesis for scoliosis, during the five years from 1977 to 1981, in which the Harrington distraction apparatus was removed. Contrary to opinions expressed in the literature, there were no technical difficulties or allied complications. Only in 4 cases was the arthrodesis area fully inspected, and then only to check the condition of the graft. In 9 cases the distraction apparatus was removed by a limited exposure of the extremities of the initial operation area.