Magnetically controlled growing rods yield similar curve correction as traditional growing rods in pediatric scoliosis patients but require fewer surgeries

NEW ORLEANS — Although a case-matched study of pediatric patients with early onset scoliosis showed comparable curve correction for those treated with traditional rods and magnetically controlled growing rods, the growing rod group had fewer surgical procedures during a minimum 2-year follow-up.

“The major curve correction, annual T1-S1 growth and annual T1-T12 growth were similar,” Behrooz A. Akbarnia, MD, said during his presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, here.

“The incidence of unplanned surgeries was similar with [magnetically controlled growing rod] MCGR patients having 57 fewer surgical procedures than [traditional growing rod] TGR patients. While it appears the procedure reduces the number of open surgical procedures, it will not change the natural history of the underlying disease. You have to look at that as a really important thing,” he said.

The researchers studied patients aged 10 years or younger who had major curves of at least 30° located from T1 to T12, that were shorter than 22 cm and who did not have any previous spine surgery. Of the 17 MCGR patients identified, 12 patients had complete data, Akbarnia said. These patients were matched to a group of TGR patients by gender, age, major curve, etiology and by whether single or dual rods were used for initial correction.

Akbarnia and colleagues found no significant differences between the groups for major curve correction, thoracic height, T1-S1 spinal length or annual T1-12 growth. Annual T1-S1 growth, defined as the change in measurements taken after the index surgery through final follow-up, divided by the length of follow-up, was also similar between the TGR and MCGR groups. However, the investigators discovered the TGR patients had 73 surgeries during the study period compared to 16 surgeries for the MCGR group. – by Gina Brockenbrough, MA

Reference:

Akbarnia BA. Paper #161. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 11-15, 2014; New Orleans.

Disclosure: Akbarnia receives royalties and research or institutional support as a principle investigator from DePuy Spine and NuVasive; is a paid consultant to NuVasive, K2M, Ellipse and K Spine; and has stock options in Alphatec Spine, NuVasive, Ellipse, K Spine and Nocimed.