We reviewed the results of the Harrington distraction (plus compression sytem) and the Leeds procedure performed on 39 patients with scoliosis with a mean follow-up time of two years. The magnitude and flexibility of the curves were approximately the same in both of the groups. We achieved a mean correction of 28 per cent in the first group ond 40 per cent in the second group. In hypokyphotic curves the Harrington instrumentation couldn't normalize the sagittal contour. Leeds procedure was especially efficient in curves less than 70° in maintaining the normal sagittal alignment and correcting the deformity in the coronal plane.
Keywords: Leeds procedure, Harrington instrumentation.