Do magnetic growing rods have lower complication rates compared with conventional growing rods?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Spinal deformities
• Pediatric orthopedics

Background:

• The magnetic controlled growing rod (MCGR) system is proposed to reduce complications in early-onset scoliosis by avoiding repeated invasive lengthening surgeries compared to conventional growing rods (CGR).
• Complications associated with growing rod systems are a significant concern in managing early-onset scoliosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the complication rates of the MCGR system versus the CGR system in patients with early-onset scoliosis.
• To assess specific complication types and unplanned surgical interventions between the two growing rod systems.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control series.
• Inclusion of patients with early-onset scoliosis treated with either MCGR or CGR.
• Outcome measures focused on complications and unplanned return to surgery.

Main Results:

• Out of 37 patients, 76% experienced at least one complication.
• MCGR demonstrated a higher overall complication rate per patient per year (0.32) compared to CGR (0.15).
• MCGR was associated with lower risks of deep and superficial infections but a higher risk of metalwork problems and unplanned return to theater.

Conclusions:

• While MCGR reduces infection rates compared to CGR, it does not eliminate the need for repeated invasive procedures.
• The MCGR system presents a significantly increased risk of metalwork complications and unplanned surgical interventions.
• Further investigation into the long-term outcomes and specific failure modes of MCGR is warranted.