[Good results of surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis using the Cotrel-Dubousset technique].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the results and complications of the Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) operation in idiopathic scoliosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, and University Hospital, Leiden.

METHOD

Of the first 22 patients with idiopathic scoliosis operated on with CD instrumentation the results were determined: the Cobb angle, the percentage of rotational correction achieved, duration of the operation, amount of blood loss, complications and duration of the postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

Compared with the Harrington technique, there were fewer complications resulting from instrumental failure (three in all), while the correction of the scoliosis was the same and in some cases even better. Advantages of the CD operation for the patient were rapid mobilization, short postoperative hospital stay and short duration of the after-treatment with use of a removable light plastic corset.

CONCLUSION

The Cotrel-Dubousset operation appears to be a promising method for the treatment of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.