One-Way Self-Expanding Growing Rod: A Monocentric Study on 20 Patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Spinal Surgery
• Scoliosis Research

Background:

• Severe early-onset scoliosis poses risks to lung development and life expectancy.
• Traditional growing rods require frequent surgeries, leading to complications and high costs.
• Preserving growth in pediatric spinal deformities is a surgical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the lengthening efficacy of the one-way self-expanding rod (OWSER) in pediatric patients.
• To assess spinal growth and deformity maintenance using the OWSER system.
• To analyze patient quality of life and complication rates associated with OWSER.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective and prospective observational clinical study of 20 children (2018-2023).
• Collected clinical, radiological, and quality of life data (EOSQ24) preoperatively and postoperatively.
• Primary endpoint: spinal lengthening; Secondary endpoints: deformity maintenance (Cobb angle), patient satisfaction, complications.

Main Results:

• Significant spinal lengthening observed: T1-T12 segment averaged 46 mm, T1-S1 height increased by 83 mm (p < 0.0001).
• Mean Cobb angle decreased by 25°, indicating satisfactory maintenance of coronal curvature.
• 55% of patients required revision surgery; mean follow-up was 32 months.

Conclusions:

• The OWSER system provides significant spinal lengthening and effective deformity correction in early-onset scoliosis.
• Satisfactory maintenance of coronal curvature was achieved with the OWSER.
• Longer follow-up is necessary to fully evaluate the long-term efficacy and complication profile of the OWSER.