Optimizing Expansion Clinic for Patients With Magnetic Controlled Growth Rods

In 2017, members of the Pediatric Spine Study Group reported that 80% of new growth-friendly implants inserted were magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs). MCGRs are usually expanded more often than every 6 months, as was general practice with traditional growth rods. The growing volume of expansion visits is managed variably at different centers. Although there is existing research comparing MCGRs with traditional systems for efficacy and complications, there is limited literature regarding how expansion clinics are managed. This article reviews current practices such as scheduling, expansion verification, billing, and other key parameters for running expansion clinics.