Eighty patients were treated with L-rod instrumentation (LRI) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at the authors' institution from 1978 through 1985. The percentage correction of Cobb angle, the fusion rate, and the neurologic injury rate were similar to that reported for Harrington instrumentation. Avoidance of postoperative casting or bracing, maintenance of secondary spinal contours, secure pelvic fixation when needed, and anterior thoracoplasty in a majority of patients were achievable goals with LRI.