Comparison Between Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods and Spinal Growth Guidance Surgery for Idiopathic Early-Onset...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Spinal Deformity Correction
• Growth Preservation Techniques

Background:

• Spinal Growth Guidance (SpGG) and Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGR) are used to manage severe progressive spinal deformities in children while preserving growth.
• Previous studies comparing these techniques relied on 2D measurements, potentially underestimating growth differences due to 3D spinal deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of SpGG and MCGR in patients with idiopathic early-onset scoliosis (i-EOS) using Three-Dimensional True Spine Length (3D-TSL).
• To evaluate spinal growth and deformity correction in i-EOS patients treated with either SpGG or MCGR over a minimum of two years.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study analyzing data from a multi-center database of i-EOS patients.
• Inclusion criteria required a minimum 2-year follow-up with perioperative and 2-year postoperative measurements.
• Outcomes were assessed using Three-Dimensional True Spine Length (3D-TSL) and coronal curve correction.

Main Results:

• SpGG showed a greater percentage of coronal curve correction (46%) compared to MCGR (34%) at two years (P=0.03).
• SpGG maintained maximal measured kyphosis (MMK) better than MCGR, with SpGG showing an increase of +9° versus MCGR's -7° (P<0.001).
• Both techniques increased T1-S1 height; 3D-TSL growth was 16.8 mm/year for SpGG and 14.2 mm/year for MCGR, with no significant difference (P=0.2).

Conclusions:

• Both SpGG and MCGR provide comparable spinal growth as measured by 3D-TSL at two years postoperatively.
• SpGG demonstrated superior coronal plane deformity correction and better maintenance of thoracic kyphosis compared to MCGR.
• These findings suggest SpGG may offer advantages in deformity control while preserving spinal growth in i-EOS.