Nuances in Growing Rod Surgery: Our Initial Experience and Literature Review

Growing rod construct is one of the most widely acknowledged treatment modalities for early-onset scoliosis around the world, but it is not without complications. Throughout the course of treatment, numerous planned and inadvertent surgical interventions are required, which increase the complexity of the treatment. We share our experience with case examples along with extensive literature search and review to get an insight and document the complications with growing rod treatment.

These cases underwent surgery with dual growing rod for thoracolumbar idiopathic scoliosis in the view of failed conservative treatment and progressive deformity. Superficial infection is in one case and recurrence of deformity was a common finding though correction of deformity and final fusion was achieved in the cases. Breakage of screws, autofusion of the spanned segments, and profuse bony growths over the implants are common finding to get. Fibrosis and scar tissue from the previous surgeries result in difficulty in the exposure and performing corrective osteotomy.

Growing rod surgery has high complication rates. Repeated surgical and anesthesia exposure pose a great risk to the body and immature skeleton of the young patient. Previous studies have put forth many possible course of action to lower down the complication rates but have met with variable results. A better implant design and surgical efficacy are needed to cut down the number of complications and surgical interventions in growing rod surgeries.