Harrington rod

[1] Historically, this rod was implanted along the spinal column to treat, among other conditions, a lateral or coronal-plane curvature of the spine, or scoliosis.

Spinal deformities may be caused by birth defects, fractures, marfan syndrome, neurofibromatosis, neuromuscular diseases, severe injuries, and tumors.

Because the Harrington cannot follow the natural lordosis of the lower back (i.e. the backwaist curve), the spine is straightened out into an unnatural position.

At first, the unfused spinal segments compensate for the straightening effects, but eventually the discs degenerate and wear down.

The patient then develops back pain, has difficulty standing upright, and experiences limitations when walking.