Harrington rod
Harrington Rod
Harrington rod (pronunciation: /ˈhærɪŋtən rɒd/) is a type of orthopedic device used in spinal surgery to correct scoliosis and other curvatures of the spine.
Etymology
The Harrington rod is named after its inventor, Dr. Paul Harrington, an American orthopedic surgeon who developed the device in the 1950s.
Description
The Harrington rod is a straight metal rod that is surgically implanted along the spine to provide support and correct curvature. The rod is typically made of stainless steel or titanium, and is held in place by hooks and screws attached to the vertebrae.
Usage
Harrington rods were widely used from the 1960s to the 1990s for the treatment of severe scoliosis and kyphosis. However, they have largely been replaced by more advanced systems that allow for more natural spinal movement and alignment, such as the Cotrel-Dubousset system.
Related Terms
- Orthopedics: The branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.
- Scoliosis: A medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve.
- Kyphosis: A spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back.
- Cotrel-Dubousset: A type of spinal instrumentation system used to correct spinal deformities.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Harrington rod
- Wikipedia's article - Harrington rod
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