A direct intrathoracic method of treating scoliosis is described in which the laterally curved spine is straightened by a turnbuckle spine jack placed on the concave side of the curve. The jack is screw-fixed to an end vertebra proximally and distally before the turnbuckle is opened.
Roentgenograms of the erect spine are taken before operation without traction and with halter traction, even to the point of full suspension of the patient. This indicates the traction elasticity response of the curve and spells out the resistance of the curved spine to any corrective force.
The operation is done under intubation anesthesia and with blood transfusion to replace lost blood.
The patient is placed on the operating table in the semiprone position with pillows under the knees. The knees are bent to a right angle. This position is held by adhesive strips which run over the buttocks to the table.
He lies
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