Children with early-onset scoliosis who receive a second set of magnetically controlled growing rods may experience less spinal correction than those who do not, according to a July 22 news release from Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Del.
The study, published in Spine Deformity, reviewed 39 cases, including 13 patients who underwent rod replacement. While those with replacements grew more overall — 61 millimeters compared to 47 millimeters — most of the growth occurred with the first set. Only two patients saw greater lengthening with the second set. Curve correction at the time of final spinal fusion was lower in the replacement group (7 degrees versus 12 degrees), and overall curve improvement was 51% compared to 65% in patients without replacements.
The study concluded that increasing spinal rigidity may reduce the effectiveness of additional rods and recommended considering traditional growing rods or early spinal fusion, depending on the child’s age and growth potential.
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