Seventeen unstable thoracic and thoracolumbar fracture-dislocations have been treated by Harrington double-distraction rod technique supplemented by doubled 18-gauge stainless-steel wires applied to two intact laminae above and below the injury. Fourteen of the 17 cases were grossly comminuted and translated beyond 50% of the width of the spinal column. No external bracing was used in the 13 patients with neurologic deficits. At the time of follow-up examinations (greater than 22 months in all patients) there was no loss of reduction or fixation in any patient. Solid fusion was achieved in all patients.