MAGNETICALLY CONTROLLED GROWING RODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF EOS: EXPERIENCE FROM A SINGLE CENTER AND XPS SURFACE ANALYSIS OF THE RODS

The treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) remains one of the biggest challenges in paediatric orthopaedics. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) have increased in popularity compared to traditional growing rods (TGRs), providing curve correction, spinal growth and a reduction of the associated surgical trauma. Between May 2015 and July 2022, 24 patients with EOS were treated with an MCGR system using a standardized implantation procedure. An ultrasonography- or radiography-controlled distraction of 3 mm every 3 months was performed. Whole spine radiographs were taken pre-operatively, post-operatively, and in six month interval. The Cobb angle, T1-S1 height, and growth were measured. All the patients had a dual-rod construct implantation. The mean age of the surgical patients was 8 years (6–11), and the mean follow up was 39 months (2–84). The etiology of the EOS was syndromic in six patients, congenital in two, idiopathic in three and neuromuscular in 12. One patient had a conversion from TGR, and one patient had a concomitant resection of hemivertebra. The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 69° (30–108°), postoperative was 38° (16–66°), and 38° (9–69°) at final follow-up. The mean pre-operative T1–S1 length was 289 mm, increasing to 326 mm post-operatively, and 353 mm at the final follow-up. The mean spinal growth was 64 mm (26–110 mm). Two retrieved rods were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A surface analytical technique to determine the surface chemistry after exposure of the rods in the body. The MCGR system represents a safe and less invasive option for the treatment of EOS.