Unplanned return to the operating room (UPROR) occurs in 40% of MCGR patients at an average of 2 years after initial implantation.

Purpose: This study calculated the rates of Unplanned Return to the Operating Room (UPROR) in early-onset scoliosis patients who had no previous spine surgery and underwent Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod (MCGR) implantation.

Methods: We reviewed surgical, radiographic, and UPROR outcomes for EOS patients treated with the MCGR implant < 12 years + 11 months of age, had complete preop/postop major curve measurements, and had complete MCGR details.

Results: 376 patients underwent MCGR implantation at a mean age of 7.7 years (1.8-12.9). Diagnoses included 106 (28%) idiopathic, 84 (22%) syndromic, 153 (41%) neuromuscular, and 33 (9%) congenital. The mean preop-cobb was 76.7° (9-145°), and an immediate postop correction was 41% (0-84%). We found that 38% (142/376) of patients experienced an UPROR prior to the maximal actuator length being achieved. UPROR occurred at mean 2 years (3 days-5 years) after initial implantation. Of the 142 patients who experienced UPROR there were 148 complications that lead to an UPROR. The most common reason for UPROR was anchor (55/148: 37%) or MCGR implant related (33/148: 22%). Wound related (22/148:15%), Neuro related 4/148: 3%), and other (34/148: 23%) accounted for the remaining UPROR occurrences.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the MCGR UPROR rate was 142/376 (38%) after an average of 2 years post implantation. At 2-year follow-up, only 20% of MCGR patients had experienced an UPROR. However, between 2 and 5 years, the development of an UPROR increased precipitously with only 39% of MCGR patients remaining UPROR free at 5 years post MCGR implantation. The most common reason for UPROR was related to anchor or MCGR implant-related complications. This information can be utilized to set realistic expectations about the need and timing of future surgical procedures with patients and their families.