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Special article: Update on the magnetically controlled growing rod: tips and pitfalls
Jason Pui Yin Cheung1, Patrick Cahill2, Burt Yaszay3
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong Kong)
|December 31, 2015
Summary
Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) offer outpatient spinal deformity correction with monitoring. This review highlights MCGR tips, pitfalls, and complications for scoliosis management, identifying areas for future research.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) are increasingly used for spinal deformities in young patients.
- MCGR enables gradual lengthening in an outpatient setting with continuous neurological monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report tips, pitfalls, and complications associated with MCGR for scoliosis management.
- To consolidate expert experiences and identify areas for improvement in MCGR techniques.
Main Methods:
- A consensus meeting was held on June 3, 2015, at the University of Hong Kong.
- 32 participants from 16 regions shared their experiences and insights on MCGR.
Main Results:
- Current indications favor early-onset scoliosis; adolescent idiopathic and congenital scoliosis show less favorable outcomes.
- Minimizing instrumented levels is crucial; limited rod contouring can predispose to proximal junctional kyphosis.
- No consensus exists on rod configuration, distraction timing, frequency, technique, or amount; risk factors for distraction failure identified.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to standardize distraction techniques, optimal frequency, and amount.
- Comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses are recommended for MCGR implementation.
