Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for the correction of scoliotic curvature of the spinal column. A Harrington distraction rod engages a concave side of the curvature of the spinal column and a Harrington compression rod engages a convex side of the curvature of the spinal column. A tensioning device engages the Harrington distraction rod and the Harrington compression rod so that the rods may be drawn toward each other or otherwise held in position with respect to each other. The tensioning device is comprised of a transverse threaded rod having a basket hook at an end thereof. The threaded rod engages the basket hook via a swivel connection which allows the transverse rod to rotate about its longitudinal axis within the basket hook. The other end of the threaded rod has a knurled end to facilitate handling. The basket hook is preferably used to engage the Harrington compression rod and has thread engagers which positively lock the basket hook onto the Harrington compression rod and prevent movement of the basket hook along the Harrington compression rod. A transverse hook for engaging the Harrington distraction rod threadably engages the transverse rod of the tensioning device. A nut is located on the transverse rod of the tensioning device to lock the position of the transverse hook. To engage the tensioning device, a bone clamp or similar instrument is first used to draw the Harrington distraction and compression rods toward each other, maintaining the desired amount of transverse tension. The basket hook is placed on the Harrington compression rod and the knurled end of the transverse threaded tensioning rod is rotated, causing the transverse hook to move along the transverse threaded rod until the transverse hook snugly engages the Harrington distraction rod. At this point, the bone clamp is removed, and the nut is tightened down as a safety lock.

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First Claim