Special article: Update on the magnetically controlled growing rod: Tips and pitfalls

68Citations
Citations of this article
62Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have become an important treatment option in young patients with spinal deformities. This device allows for gradual lengthening on an outpatient setting with continuous neurological monitoring in an awake patient. With its growing popularity and interest, this study reports the tips, pitfalls, and complications of the MCGR for management of scoliosis. On 3 June 2015 at the University of Hong Kong, 32 participants from 16 regions shared their experience with MCGR. Current indications for surgery include early-onset scoliosis patients. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and congenital scoliosis patients have less favourable outcomes. The number of instrumented levels should be minimised, as all instrumented levels must be included in the definitive fusion surgery. Rod contouring is important and owing to the straight portion of the rod housing the magnet, there is limited proximal rod portion for proper contouring, which may predispose to proximal junctional kyphosis. There is currently no consensus on the rod configuration, timing, frequency, technique, and amount of distraction. Risk factors for distraction failure include larger patients, internal magnets too close to each other, and magnets too close to the apex of the major curve. Future studies should resolve the issues regarding the technique of distraction, optimal frequency and amount of distraction per session. More comprehensive cost analyses should be performed.

References Powered by Scopus

Dual growing rod technique for the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis: A multicenter study

561Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

The characteristics of thoracic insufficiency syndrome associated with fused ribs and congenital scoliosis

549Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Complications of growing-rod treatment for early-onset scoliosis: Analysis of one hundred and forty patients

504Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Recent and emerging advances in spinal deformity

103Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Unplanned Reoperations in Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod Surgery for Early Onset Scoliosis with a Minimum of Two-Year Follow-Up

91Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Analysis of explanted magnetically controlled growing rods from seven UK spinal centers

66Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Cheung, J. P. Y., Cahill, P., Yaszay, B., Akbarnia, B. A., & Cheung, K. M. C. (2015). Special article: Update on the magnetically controlled growing rod: Tips and pitfalls. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery, 23(3), 383–390. https://doi.org/10.1177/230949901502300327

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 31

69%

Researcher 10

22%

Professor / Associate Prof. 3

7%

Lecturer / Post doc 1

2%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Medicine and Dentistry 33

77%

Engineering 6

14%

Agricultural and Biological Sciences 2

5%

Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Bi... 2

5%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free