Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod in Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Minimum of 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Purpose: The magnetically controlled growing rod technique decreases complications, costs, and loss of functionality by avoiding successive surgical corrections every 6 months in patients with early-onset scoliosis. However, only a few studies have presented clinical experience with the magnetically controlled growing rod. In this study we aimed to present our single-center experience in patients with early-onset scoliosis who underwent the magnetically controlled growing rod technique and follow-up for at least 2 years. Materials and Methods: We made an observational study by evaluating patients with early-onset scoliosis who underwent the magnetically controlled growing rod technique between February 2012 and December 2013. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the patients charts. We included patients who were followed up for at least 2 years. Radiological data were obtained from plain anterior-posterior and lateral scoliosis X-rays. Results: Eight patients with early-onset scoliosis who underwent surgery using the magnetic system were treated with dual rods. None of the spines were fused to the sacrum. We observed no intra- and/or postsurgical complications. The average number of external rod lengthenings was 7.6. The average amount of lengthening was 30.6 mm on the right side and 27.8 mm on the left side by the time of last clinical follow-up. The average coronal and sagittal Cobb values at the final clinical evaluation were 10.5° (thoracic coronal), 13.75° (lumbar coronal), 6.25° (lumbosacral coronal), 24.5° (thoracic sagittal), and 40° (lumbar sagittal), respectively. Conclusions: The magnetically controlled growing rod is beneficial in early-onset scoliosis, since it enables spinal growth and decreases additional surgeries, complications, and costs. Even though we had a small sample size, our follow-up period was enough to declare long-term outcomes of our patients. Multicenter and large sample-sized studies are needed to make more conclusive statements regarding this promising scoliosis treatment approach.

Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGR) Versus Single Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) Versus Vertebral Body Tether (VBT) in Older Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) Patients

“…While three studies reported no complications in their combined 15 MCGR patients. 36,37,40 43 reported one revision in three patients for hook pull-out. Our MCGR cohort is so far the largest reporting on only idiopathic EOS patients and our complication rates seem to fall in between these reports.…”

Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods: The Experience of Mechanical Failure from a Single Center Consecutive Series of 28 Children with a Minimum Follow-up of 2 Years

“…Our data are similar to previously published studies regarding the age of child at implantation, degree of curve, and length of follow-up. Previous studies report a MCGR mechanical failure rate (all causes) of 0%–75% [ 3 , 19 , 20 ], and there have been two specific actuator pin failures published as a case report [ 21 ]. In their revised quantitative analysis of four papers (one of which was unpublished) [ 4 , 22 , 23 ], the NICE external assessment center reported five MCGR device failures in 80 patients (6%).…”

Minimum 2-Year Experience with Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods for the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

“…The distraction frequency was 1–2 months reported in studies by Cheung et al [24], Hickey et al [14], and Teoh et al [35]. The distraction frequency was 3–6 months in studies conducted by La Rosa et al [34], Yilmaz et al [36], Nnadi et al [39], and Yoon et al [37]. The average postoperative distracted length was 28.3 mm (range of follow-up, 23–61 months) in the present systematic review.…”