Are there more complications with magnetic growing rods for early scoliosis? 5 key notes

A new study published in The Spine Journal examines whether there are fewer complications in surgery with magnetic growing rods than conventional growing rods.

The study authors examined 37 patients with early onset scoliosis who received either magnetic-controlled growth rods or the conventional growing rod. There were 10 patients who had magnetic-controlled growing rods and 27 who had the conventional growing rods.

Here are five key notes:

1. There were 29 patients, 76 percent, who reported at least one complication.

2. The magnetic-controlled growing rod patients reported a higher complication rate than the control group—0.32 complications per year per patient compared with 15 complications per year per patient.

3. The magnetic-controlled growing rod was associated with lower deep infection risk and fewer superficial infections.

4. There was a higher risk of metalwork problems in the magnetic-controlled growing rod group as well as more unplanned returns to the theatre.

5. The researchers concluded that while there was a lower rate of deep and superficial infections among the magnetic-controlled growing rod group, the patients in that group didn't completely avoid repeated invasive surgical procedures.


Source : Beckers Spine , 5th Feb 2016