Rod system for pediatric scoliosis has high failure rate, study suggests — 3 takeaways

Spine

A study from October 2019 indicates that NuVasive's Magnetic Expansion Control rod system, which is used to treat pediatric scoliosis, has a high failure rate, Medscape reported.

Medscape interviewed study investigator Aakash Agarwal, PhD, director of research at Spinal Balance and adjunct professor of bioengineering at the University of Toledo in Ohio.

"This rod system fails very often compared to any standard spinal implant," Dr. Agarwal told the outlet.

Dr. Agarwal also shared three takeaways with Becker's Spine Review:

1. Malfunction of the noninvasive distraction mechanism — used to stretch soft tissues to make room for bone growth — and fracture are common with the Magnetic Expansion Control rods.

2. Failure of the rods can lead to unplanned revision surgeries, which in turn increases the risk of infection and other complications.

3. The risk of failure can be reduced by reducing stresses around the rod with shorter distraction magnitude at shorter intervals.

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