What does it mean to have harrington rod?

Rods for scoliosis: Dr harrington develppedrods to assist inspine deformity corection and fusions these rods are rarely used today dr. Harrington a pioneer upon whose shoulders we all stand. Rafiologist tend to call all spinal rods by this name its like a brand name for rods not used today.

A spine fusion : Harrington rods were developed to treat scoliosis over 50 years ago. Prior to their development, people having scoliosis surgery had a bone graft placed on the spine and had to be held in bed and in a body cast for months up to a year! the use of the rod aided in the correction &maintenence of the correction of scoliosis & a better fusion while mobilizing the person in cast and later in a brace.

Instrumentation: Harrington rods were some of the first spinal instrumentation utilized for reducing and stabilizing spine curves. The instrumentation acts like an internal cast to hold the bones in place while they heal after fusion surgery. Because of the historical significance of dr. Harrington, people often refer to modern instrumentation as harrington rods even though current instrumentation is far superior.