[Ventral derotation spondylodesis. Results of treatment of cases of idiopathic lumbar scoliosis (author's (author's transl)].

Of nearly 300 VDS operations, performed at the German Scoliosis Center, the first 50 cases have been analysed. Their follow-up was conducted over a period of two years minimally. Patients with lumbar scoliosis and double major curves will be analysed in detail separately. In suitable cases use of the ventral derotation spondylodesis offers considerable advantages as compared to other methods. Bending tests are decisive for determining the fusion area. Rotation and obliquity of the third or fourth lumbar vertebra are of critical importance. The author considers the Harrington operation no longer justified in those cases in which ventral derotation spondylodesis can be successfully used. Furthermore, the Dwyer procedure has to be considered obsolete.