Magnetically controlled growing rod in 13 patients with early-onset scoliosis and spinal improvement.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the use of magnetically controlled growing rods as a method of providing spinal improvement while preventing thoracic insufficiency in patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS).

METHODS: Of a total of 13 patients, 4 patients underwent a dual magnetic rod implantation, while 9 patients had a single magnetic rod procedure. The study group comprised 12 (93%) female and 1 (7%) male patients. Six patients (46%) had an idiopathic form of scoliosis, in 4 (30%) it was congenital, and in 3 (23%) it was neuromuscular scoliosis. The patients' Cobb angles, thoracic kyphosis, T1-T12 and T1-S1 distance prior to and following the treatment were compared.

RESULTS: The mean Cobb angle before surgery was 53.780 , whereas it decreased to 39.290 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean thoracic kyphosis angle was 400 before and 29.790 after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean T1-S1 distance was 32.14 cm before and 36.36 cm after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean T1-T12 distance was 18.69 cm before and 20.64 cm after surgery (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The use of magnetic rods is an effective method of EOS treatment. It allows for spinal growth while managing the progression of the scoliosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.