New technics in the operative treatment of scoliosis.

Preoperative correction of scoliotic curves by traction and casting improves the results achieved by operation. Use of the halo-hoop apparatus allows controlled correction when combined with spinal osteotomies. The anterior approach to the spine allows better correction and fusion of the more difficult curves of congenital scoliosis and those associated with neurofibromatosis and myelomeningocele.