Abstract: A spinal fixation device (FIG. 1) of the type consisting of rod of biocompatible material (e.g. stainless steel) formed into a rigid rectangle has its shorter sides (11) bent in the same direction from the plane of the longer sides (12) to fit more closely upon the spine than the known flat rectangle, each shorter side (11) having two straight portions (13) at an angle to each other of between 90.degree. and 110.degree., with a small radius curve (14) between them and small radius curves (15) at the corners formed with the longer sides (12).A fixation device (FIG. 8) for use on the spine of an infant or juvenile consists of similar rod formed into a rigid U-shape with a base portion (21) similar to the shorter sides (11) of the rectangle, i.e. bent from the plane of the sides (22) of the U, so that when the sides (22) are wired to the spine the wires can slide along the sides (22), to allow for growth of the spine while maintaining support therefor.