Traditional Growing Rods Research Articles

Unmatched rod contouring at the proximal end predisposes to occurrence of junctional kyphosis in early-onset scoliosis patients undergoing traditional growing rods treatment

Study designA retrospective case series.ObjectiveTo investigate whether unmatched rod contouring at the proximal end predisposed to the occurrence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in early-onset scoliosis (EOS) patients after traditional growing rods (TGR) treatment.Summary of background dataTGR treatment has become a mainstay of treatment for EOS patients. PJK is one of the most common alignment-related complications.MethodsA consecutive series of EOS patients who had undergone TGR treatment were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into PJK and non-PJK groups according to the occurrence of PJK or not. Demographic data, surgical strategies, and radiographic parameters were recorded and compared between groups. Proximal junctional angle (PJA) was defined as the angle between the caudal endplate of the UIV and the cephalad endplate of the second supradjacent vertebra above the UIV, while proximal rod contouring angle (PRCA) was defined as the angle of proximal rod contouring, which was represented by the angle between the cephalad endplate of the UIV and the caudal endplate of the second vertebra caudal to the UIV. Unmatched proximal rod contouring was regarded if the postoperative PRCA-PJA difference was greater than 5°.ResultsThis study finally included 73 patients. The mean age at the index surgery was 6.5 ± 2.2 years (range, 2–10 years). Mean follow-up lasted 5.0 ± 1.7 years (range, 2–9 years). They received mean 4.6 ± 1.6 lengthening procedures. There were 13 patients who were observed with PJK (18%). In comparison with the non-PJK group, the PJK group showed a larger preoperative major curve (82 ± 21° vs 70 ± 17°, P = 0.041) and global kyphosis (57 ± 6° vs. 44 ± 15°, P = 0.044). In addition, the PJK group had significantly larger postoperative PJA (10 ± 3 vs. 5 ± 3, P<0.001) and greater postoperative PJA-PRCA (6 ± 3 vs. 3 ± 3, P = 0.031). The proportion of patients with unmatched proximal rod contouring in PJK group was significantly higher than that in the non-PJK group (69% vs. 25%). Multiple logistic regression showed that preoperative GK>50°, postoperative PJA>10 and postoperative unmatched proximal rod contouring were the risk factors in predicting PJK after TGR treatment.ConclusionApproximately 18% EOS patients experienced PJK after TGR treatment. Unmatched proximal rod contouring may be an independent risk factor of PJK occurrence, in addition to greater preoperative GK and larger postoperative PJA.Level of evidence3.

Early outcomes of growth friendly instrumentation in children with Williams syndrome.

Although scoliosis and kyphosis have been associated with Williams Syndrome (WS), no previous literature has reported on surgical treatment for early onset scoliosis (EOS) in WS. The aim of this case series is to report on the outcomes of spine deformity surgery in patients with EOS and WS and any perioperative anesthetic or cardiovascular complications. One multicenter database was queried for all patients with WS who underwent growth-friendly (GF) treatment before age 12 between 2000 and 2017. Demographics, surgical, and growth-friendly data were queried. Radiographs were measured for curve magnitude, T1-T12 length, and T1-S1 length. Seven patients were analyzed (3 males, 4 females). Patients were at a median age of 2.8years at initial surgery with median follow-up 3.6years (range 2.0-12years) after index surgery. The initial surgical treatments were as follows: 2 traditional growing rods (TGR), 2 magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR), and 3 vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs (VEPTR). The median duration of growth-friendly treatment was 5.0years (range, 2.6-10.4years) with a median number of 9 device lengthenings. The median improvement in coronal curve magnitude from preoperative to most recent follow-up was 19° (range, 54°-9°). Three patients have completed GF treatment: one underwent definitive fusion, and two are under observation with apparent spontaneous fusion and retain the original GF implants. No peri-operative anesthetic or cardiovascular complications occurred. Few studies have reported on surgical outcomes in WS patients with EOS. In this case series, 6/7 patients experienced curve improvement with growth-friendly spine instrumentation. This study suggests that growth-friendly instrumentation for severe EOS in WS can be used for control of spinal deformity while allowing for further growth. Associated complications were typical of distraction-based EOS surgical treatment. There were 62 total procedures with general anesthesia, but no perioperative cardiac complications occurred.

Finite Element Comparison of the Spring Distraction System and the Traditional Growing Rod for the Treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis.

Finite element analysis (FEA). The aim of this study was to determine biomechanical differences between traditional growing rod (TGR) and spring distraction system (SDS) treatment of early-onset scoliosis. Many "growth-friendly" implants like the TGR show high rates of implant failure, spinal stiffening, and intervertebral disc (IVD) height loss. We developed the SDS, which employs continuous, dynamic forces to mitigate these limitations. The present FEA compares TGR and SDS implantation, followed by an 18-month growth period. Two representative, ligamentous, scoliotic FEA models were created for this study; one representing TGR and one representing SDS. initial implantation, and up to 18 months of physeal spinal growth were simulated. The SDS model was continuously distracted over this period; the TGR model included two additional distractions following index surgery. Outcomes included differences in rod stress, spinal morphology and iVD stress-shielding. Maximum postoperative von Mises stress was 249MPa for SDS, and 205MPa for TGR. During the 6-month TGR distraction, TGR rod stress increased over two-fold to a maximum stress of 417MPa, compared to a maximum of 262 MPa in the SDS model at 6-month follow-up. During subsequent follow-up periods, TGR rod stress remained consistently higher than stresses in the SDS model. Additional lengthenings in the TGR model led to a smaller residual curve (16.08) and higher T1-S1 growth (359 mm) at 18-month follow-up compared to the SDS model (26.98, 348 mm). During follow-up, there was less stress-shielding of the IVDs in the SDS model, compared to the TGR model. At 18-month follow-up, upper and lower IVD surfaces of the SDS model were loaded more in compression than their TGR counterparts (mean upper: +112 ± 19N; mean lower: +100 ± 17N). In the present FEA, TGR treatment resulted in slightly larger curve correction compared to SDS, at the expense of increased IVD stress-shielding and a higher risk of rod fractures. N/A.

Treatment of Early-onset Scoliosis: Similar Outcomes Despite Different Etiologic Subtypes in Traditional Growing Rod Graduates.

It is unclear whether traditional growing rod (TGR) treatment outcomes vary by early-onset scoliosis (EOS) subtype. The goal of this study was to compare radiographic outcomes and complications of TGR treatment by EOS subtype. We queried an international database of EOS patients from 20 centers to identify "graduates" who had (1) undergone primary TGR treatment from 1993 to 2014; (2) completed TGR treatment; and (3) had an uneventful clinical examination within 6 months after completion of TGR treatment with no anticipated further intervention. We included 202 patients in 4 etiologic subgroups: neuromuscular (n=65), syndromic (n=57), idiopathic (n=52), and congenital (n=28). Mean age at surgery was 7.1 years (range, 1.6 to 14.9 y); mean duration of follow-up was 8 years (range, 2 to 18.6 y). The groups did not differ by mean age, body mass index, sex, number of lengthenings, or duration of follow-up. The following preoperative differences were significant: (1) greater mean major curve in the neuromuscular versus idiopathic subgroup; (2) shorter spinal height (T1-S1) in the congenital versus idiopathic subgroup; and (3) smaller proportion of ambulatory patients in the neuromuscular subgroup versus all other subgroups. We found no significant differences among subgroups in mean major curve correction or changes in thoracic height (T1-T12), spinal height, or global kyphosis at any point. Rates of deep surgical site infection, implant-related complications, and neurological complications were not different among subgroups. The medical complication rate was significantly lower in the idiopathic group compared with the other groups. Major curve correction and spinal and thoracic height increases did not differ significantly at any point by EOS subtype. Rates of deep surgical site infection, implant-related complications, and neurological complications did not differ by subtype. Except for the lower rate of medical complications in the idiopathic group, our findings suggest that, after TGR treatment, patients can expect similar outcomes regardless of their EOS subtype. Level III, therapeutic.

Pulmonary function and health-related quality of life in patients with early onset scoliosis after repeated traditional growing rod procedures.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate pulmonary function and health-related quality of life after traditional growing rod (TGR) procedures.MethodsBetween January 2006 and December 2017, a retrospective observational study of 17 early onset scoliosis (EOS) patients with a mean follow-up of 6.2 years (2.3 to 10.4) was conducted. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), expiratory forced vital capacity (FVC) and 24-Item Early Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) score before the index surgery and at last follow-up were investigated.ResultsThe mean percentage of predicted FEV1 improved from 50% (20% to 86%) to 53% (15% to 80%; p = 0.08); and the mean percentage of predicted FVC improved from 51% (24% to 81%) to 55% (25% to 89%; p = 0.06). The mean EOSQ-24 score was 78.2 (58 to 90) preoperatively and 77.2 (55 to 88) at last follow-up, there was no statistical difference (p = 0.70). The subdomain scores of pulmonary function (p < 0.01) and daily living (p < 0.01) significantly improved, whereas the subdomain scores of pain (p < 0.01), emotion (p < 0.01) and satisfaction (p = 0.02) significantly declined at last follow-up.ConclusionThe TGR procedure was associated with stable pulmonary function and decline in EOSQ-24 pain, emotion and satisfaction scores.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.

Prevalence of junctional kyphosis in early-onset scoliosis: can it be corrected at final fusion?

To investigate the risk and predictive factors of junctional issues after conversion from Traditional growing rod (TGR) to definitive spinal fusion in Early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Retrospective review of a multicenter EOS database. TGR patients who received final fusion with at least two-year follow-up were included. Proximal (PJA) and Distal junctional angles (DJA) on pre-final fusion, post-final fusion (within one year of surgery), and at latest follow-up were measured on lateral upright spinal radiographs. Differences in values among designated time points and predictive factors of junctional issues were evaluated statistically. Forty-six of 251 patients (28 females, 18 males and mean age at final fusion: 12 ± 2 [9-17] years) met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up between first postoperative measurement and latest follow-up was 49 ± 22 (24-112) months. No statistical differences in PJA and DJA values were available at pre-fusion, first post-fusion, or latest follow-up (p = 0.827, p = 0.076). Fifty percent of patients had extension of TGR instrumentation at fusion, either proximal or distal. No factor including sex and etiology, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, major curve magnitude, PJA, and DJA at pre-fusion was found to be a predictive issue for extension of index TGR instrumentation, except the history of at least one implant-related complication during the period from index surgery to the definitive fusion. PJA and DJA remained stable when transitioning from TGR to final posterior spinal fusion. But 50% of patients had extension of construction at fusion, either proximal or distal.

When Is a Growth-friendly Strategy Warranted? A Matched Comparison of Growing Rods Versus Primary Posterior Spinal Fusion in Juveniles With Early-onset Scoliosis.

In 7 to 11-year-old juveniles with severe early-onset scoliosis (EOS) the optimal surgical option remains uncertain. This study compares growing rods (GRs) followed by definitive posterior spinal fusion (PSF) versus primary PSF in this population. We hypothesized that the thoracic height afforded by GRs would be offset by increased rigidity, more complications, and more operations. This retrospective comparative study included EOS patients aged 7.0 to 11.9 years at index surgery treated with GR→PSF or primary PSF during 2013 to 2020. Primary outcomes were thoracic height gain (ΔT1-12H), major curve, complications, and total operations. Primary PSFs were matched with replacement 1-to-n to GR→PSFs by age at index, etiology, and major curve. Twenty-eight GR→PSFs met criteria: 19 magnetically controlled GRs and 9 traditional GRs. Three magnetically controlled GRs were definitively explanted without PSF due to complications. The remaining 25 GR→PSFs were matched to 17 primary PSFs with 100% etiology match, mean Δ major curve 1 degree, and mean Δ age at index 0.5 years (PSFs older). Median ΔT1-12H pre-GR to post-PSF was 4.7 cm with median deformity correction of 37%. Median ΔT1-12H among primary PSFs was 1.9 cm with median deformity correction of 62%. GR→PSFs had mean 1.8 complications and 3.4 operations. Primary PSFs had mean 0.5 complications and 1.3 operations. Matched analysis showed adjusted mean differences of 2.3 cm greater ΔT1-12H among GR→PSFs than their matched primary PSFs, with 25% less overall coronal deformity correction, 1.2 additional complications, and 2.2 additional operations per patient. In juveniles aged 7 to 11 with EOS, on average GRs afford 2 cm of thoracic height over primary PSF at the cost of poorer deformity correction and additional complications and operations. Primary PSF affords an average of 2 cm of thoracic height gain; if an additional 2 cm will be impactful then GRs should be considered. However, in most juveniles the height gained may not warrant the iatrogenic stiffness, complications, and additional operations. Surgeons and families should weigh these benefits and harms when choosing a treatment plan. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

P9. A distraction-based bench top protocol for the evaluation of growing rod concepatients

P9. A distraction-based bench top protocol for the evaluation of growing rod concepatients

How to Select the Lower Instrumented Vertebra in Traditional Growing Rods Index Surgery.

There are still no consensus criteria on how to select the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) for traditional growing rods (TGRs) at index surgery. The aim was to evaluate whether the criteria used for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fusion adapts to early onset scoliosis (EOS). Retrospective analysis of prospectively longitudinal collected data in a consecutive cohort of patients with EOS treated with TGR, expanding from index surgery to 2 years after graduation. The LIV was analyzed regarding its relation to the stable vertebra (SV), substantially touched vertebra (STV), and not STV (NSTV). Failure of LIV selection was considered when revision surgery with distal extension was needed during follow up, due to adding on (ΔLIV tilt > 10°). A total of 25 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 8.6 ± 3 (at index surgery), 15.1 ± 1.8 (at graduation), and 17.8 ± 1.6 (at final follow up). The most frequent LIV at index surgery was L3 (13/25); in 13 cases, STV was selected as LIV; in 7, it was NSTV; and in 5, SV on the standard postero-anterior radiographs. During follow up, a significant increase in the mean LIV tilt (P = .049) and distal junctional angle (P = .017) was found. Nine of the 25 patients (36%) developed adding on: 20% (1/5) of those with LIV at SV, 38.5% (5/13) at STV, and 42.8% (3/7) at NSTV. Of those 9 cases of adding on, only four needed distal extension (mean LIV tilt = 17.6°): 2 STV patients (15.4%), and 2 NSTV patients (28.6%). None of the patients with the LIV chosen at SV needed distal extension due to adding on. The more cranial the selection of the LIV above the SV, the higher the risk of adding on and of revision surgery with distal extension during follow up. Saving motion segments could be justified by choosing STV as LIV because the need for distal extension is not high, and it can be scheduled during lengthening procedures or at graduation surgery. 4. Choosing the correct LIV in TGR index surgery is crucial to have a secure distal foundation, control and correct the deformity during growth, and save distal segments to allow growth and mobility.

Nonfusion procedures in pediatric scoliosis

The treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) in children is acomplex and demanding challenge in the treatment of spinal deformities. Conservative treatment with physiotherapy is indicated in mild forms with a Cobb angle from 10°and additionally a corset treatment with a Cobb angle of more than 20°. After exhaustion of the conservative measures or a progression of spinal scoliosis of 10° or deformities of more than 35°, asurgical approach should be considered in order to prevent respiratory insufficiency as well as severe postural and thoracic deformities. In situations where growth is still ongoing fusion operations can lead to stunted growth, a crankshaft phenomenon or degeneration of alignment. Meaningful alternatives to a fusion are so-called growing rods as a distraction-based nonfusion technique, e.g. traditional growing rods (TGR) and magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) or as a further method a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) device. The advantages and disadvantages of each operative procedure must be considered with respect to the risk profile of each patient and the experience of the surgeon in order to guarantee the best possible treatment.

The role of traditional growing rods in the era of magnetically controlled growing rods for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis.

To describe the clinical and radiographic profile of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) patients treated with traditional growing rods (TGR) during the magnetically-controlled growing rod (MCGR) era. A US multicenter EOS database was reviewed to identify (1) patients who underwent TGR after MCGR surgery was introduced at their institution, (2) patients who underwent MCGR during the same time period. Of 19 centers, 8 met criteria with all EOS etiologies represented. Clinical notes were reviewed to determine the indication for TGR. Patient demographics and pre-operative radiographs were compared between groups. A total of 25 TGR and 127 MCGR patients were identified. The TGR patients were grouped by indication into the sagittal plane profile (n = 11), trunk height (n = 6), co-morbidities/need for MRI (n = 4), and other (ex: behavioral issues, remaining growth). Four patients had a combination of sagittal profile and short stature with sagittal profile listed as primary factor. The TGR short trunk group had a mean T1-S1 length of 192mm vs 273mm for the MCGR group (p = 0.0002). The TGR sagittal profile group, had a mean maximal kyphosis of 61° vs 55° for the MCGR group (p = 0.09). TGR continues to have a role in the MCGR era. In this study, the most commonly reported indications for TGR were sagittal plane profile and trunk height. These results suggest that TGR is indicated in patients of short stature with stiff hyperkyphotic curves. As further experience is gained with MCGR, the indications for TGR will likely be refined.

Analytical Problems with Preparation of Paraspinal Tissues from Patients with Spinal Fusion for Analysis of Titanium.

Preparation of paraspinal tissue of patients with implants for elemental analysis is a challenge because it contains titanium in the ionic form, as well as metallic debris. Most literature reports focus on dissolving the tissue, but the impact of digestion conditions on metallic debris of Ti has not been investigated. In our work, various digestion conditions, including systems, compositions of oxidising mixture, and time, were tested aiming (i) to digest the tissue without digestion of metallic titanium to quantify soluble Ti and (ii) to digest metallic titanium debris to asses total Ti content in tissue. The experiments were performed in a closed mode using a microwave-assisted system and a carbon heating block. Our study revealed that total digestion of titanium was impossible in the tested conditions and the maximal level of digested titanium was below 70%. The mineralisation with the use of concentrated nitric acid was optimal to prepare paraspinal samples to analyse the soluble titanium form because metallic titanium passivated and did not migrate to the solution. The elaborated conditions were applied to determine titanium ion in the periimplant tissue of patients with three different titanium-based surgical systems, including traditional growing rod (TGR), guided growth systems (GGS), and vertical expandable prosthesis titanium rib (VEPTR).

Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods Graduation: Deformity Control with High Complication Rate.

A multicenter retrospective review of consecutive series of patients. Long-term experience with using the magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) to treat patients with deformity in the growing spine to the conclusion of treatment with posterior spine fusion. MCGR treatment for growing spine gained popularity with paucity of long-term follow up data. We hypothesized that final fusion might be more effective in bringing additional correction of the spine deformity after treatment with MCGR than that reported after traditional growing rods (TGR) due to less scarring and auto-fusion. Retrospective review of 47 patients with varied etiology, treated between 2011 and 2017 which graduated treatment were followed in five academic medical centers for average of 50 months (range, 10-88). The initial mean coronal deformity of 69.6° (95% CI 65-74) was corrected to 40° (95% CI 36-40) immediately after the MCGR implantation but progressed to 52.8° (95% CI 46-59) prior to the final surgery (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, thoracic spine growth (T1-T12 height) improved from 187.3 mm (95% CI 179-195) following index surgery to 208.9 mm (95% CI 199-218) prior to final fusion (P < 0.01). Significant correction and spinal length were obtained at final fusion, but metallosis was a frequent observation (47%, 22/47). The average growth rate was 0.5 mm/month (95% CI 0.3-0.6). The overall complication rate within our cohort was 66% (31/47) with 45% (21/47) of unplanned returns to the operating theater. 32% (15/47) of the patients had an implant related complication. Unplanned surgery was highly correlated with thoracic kyphosis greater than 40° (OR 5.42 95% CI 1.3-23). Treatment of growing spine deformities with MCGR provides adequate control of spine deformity it is comparable to previously published data about TGR. The overall high complications rate over time and specifically implant related complications.Level of Evidence: 4.

Comparing health-related quality of life and burden of care between early-onset scoliosis patients treated with magnetically controlled growing rods and traditional growing rods: a multicenter study.

Multicenter retrospective cohort study. To compare pre-operative and post-operative EOSQ-24 scores in magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) and traditional growing rod (TGR) patients. Since the introduction of MCGR, early-onset scoliosis patients have been afforded a reduction in the number of surgeries compared to the TGR technique. However, little is known about (health-related quality of life) and burden of care outcomes between these surgical techniques. This is a retrospective cohort study using a multicenter registry on patients with EOS undergoing MCGR or TGR between 2008 and 2017. The EOSQ-24 was administered at preoperative and postoperative 2-year assessments. The EOSQ-24 scores were compared between MCGR and TGR as well as preoperatively and postoperatively within each procedure. 110 patients were analyzed in this study (TGR, N = 32; MCGR, N = 78). There were no significant differences in preoperative age, gender, etiology, main coronal curve or maximum kyphosis between TGR and MCGR groups. Patients with TGR had averaged 3.9 surgical lengthenings and MCGR had averaged 7.7 non-invasive lengthenings by the 2-year follow-up. When changes in preoperative to postoperative scores were compared, MCGR had more improvements in pain, emotion, child satisfaction and parent satisfaction than TGR although there were no statistical significance. When analyzed separately, MCGR cohort had improvement in scores for all four domains and four sub-domains; while, TGR cohort only had improvement in financial burden domain and pulmonary function sub-domain. Although there was no statistical significance, the improvement in pain, emotion and satisfaction scores was larger in MCGR than TGR. Since these areas can be influenced more by mental well-being than other sub-domains, the results may prove our hypothesis that compared to TGR, MCGR with reduced number of surgeries have better psychosocial effects. III.

Is routine intraoperative neuromonitoring necessary in growing rod lengthening procedures? A retrospective, observational study.

To investigate whether intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) may be avoided in growing rod lengthening procedures in early onset scoliosis (EOS). A total of 636 primary growing rod surgeries and lengthening procedures were performed in 112 patients with EOS. Traditional growing rods (TGR) or magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) were implanted and subsequent lengthening procedures were done at stipulated intervals. Combined multi-modality IONM was used in all index surgeries-but was only used in lengthening procedures in patients with existing spinal cord abnormality or a history of neurosurgical procedure for the same, patients with prior history of a neuromonitoring alert in their index surgery and when lengthening was accompanied by an implant exchange/revision. All the remaining growing rod lengthening procedures were carried out without IONM. Hospital records and operation notes were retrospectively reviewed with focus on details of neurological events/complications. In 112 primary growing rod applications (TGR = 96, MCGR = 16) and 524 lengthening procedures (TGR = 444, MCGR = 80), intraoperative neuromonitoring 'alerts' were encountered in 6/112 index surgeries and temporary postoperative neurological deficits were seen in 2/112 index surgeries. No intraoperative neuromonitoring event or postoperative neurological complication was encountered in 524 lengthening procedures-irrespective of whether they were carried out along with implant exchange, or in patients with spinal cord abnormality or prior neuromonitoring event during index surgery. While IONM should be used in primary growing rod application surgeries, its use may be avoided in lengthening and implant exchange procedures in a resource-limited setting. Level 3.

A high degree of variability exists in how "safety and efficacy" is defined and reported in growing rod surgery for early onset scoliosis: a systematic review.

Several publications have reported the safety and efficacy of traditional growing rods (TGR) and magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) using various parameters. Radiographic parameters are most commonly used to measure efficacy, while incidence and type of complications are used to assess safety. A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was performed to identify whether a consensus exists in how safety and efficacy parameters are reported in EOS patients treated with TGR and MCGR. There is no consensus on the parameters used for reporting safety and efficacy in growing rod treatment for early onset scoliosis. Systematic literature review. Four databases were searched on November 10, 2016 to identify all qualified peer-reviewed articles using specific keyword searches. All peer-reviewed articles published in English language reporting any data related to safety and efficacy of the TGR and/or MCGR surgical technique were included. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were scored by modified Downs and Black scoring system (J Epidemiol Community Health 52(6):377-384, 1998) for non-randomized studies. All reported safety and efficacy data were extracted and analyzed. Search of the databases resulted in 111 unique citations including: PubMed (50), Embase (68 with 21 duplicates), Web of Science (29 with 15 duplicates), and CINAHL (15; all duplicates). Fifty-six of 111 citations were excluded during the review of the titles and abstracts. In addition, 16 citations were excluded at the time of full manuscript review. The remaining 39 articles included 23 TGR (2007-2016) and 16 MCGR papers (2012-2016). The overall Downs and Black score was 63.9 for TGR papers vs. 64.0 for MCGR papers (p = 0.97). Efficacy measures were not consistently reported among the publications. The only consistently reported efficacy parameter in majority (> 90%) of papers was curve size. Complication reporting was highly variable. Major curve size was the only consistent parameter to report efficacy in peer-reviewed TGR and MCGR publications. Since complications were not consistently reported, assessing safety of either treatment was infeasible. Establishing standardized safety and efficacy parameters in growing rod surgery for EOS would improve the quality of future studies and makes comparison of different treatment modalities possible. Indeed, other clinically relevant parameters such as health-related quality of life, pulmonary function, nutritional status, and psychiatric and developmental health should also be considered to improve the future safety and efficacy reporting.

Outcomes at Skeletal Maturity of 34 Children With Scoliosis Treated With a Traditional Single Growing Rod.

Retrospective case series. To analyze the outcomes at skeletal maturity of patients treated with a single traditional growing rod (GR). To compare results of patients according to whether posterior spinal fusion (PSF) was performed at treatment completion. Few studies examined the end results of GRs at skeletal maturity. There is no agreement on requirement of PSF at GR treatment completion. Clinical and radiological analysis of consecutive patients with severe and/or progressive scoliosis treated initially with traditional single GR. Group comparisons of patients with PSF and without fusion surgery at treatment completion. Thirty-four patients underwent traditional single GR implantation at a median age of 11.7 years. Median follow-up was 6.5 years. At last follow-up, T1-S1 distance was increased by a median 116 mm (P < 0.001) and median major curve Cobb angle was changed from 55° preoperatively to 30° (P < 0.001). Complications included 26 rod fractures, 1 implant prominence, 4 proximal junctional kyphosis, 2 proximal hook dislodgments, and 2 wound infections. At the beginning our experience, PSF was performed systematically in 17 patients. Relying on spinal ankylosis, 17 patients were subsequently not fused at GR treatment completion (single GR removed N = 2, single GR retained N = 7, dual GR surgery N = 8). There were no statistical differences between groups in improvements of radiological parameters from preoperative GR insertion to last follow-up. No GR fracture occurred after dual GR surgery. Single GR allows curve control and promotes spinal growth. Dual GR is, however, recommended for rod fracture prevention and better correction maintenance. In patients with satisfactory deformity correction at skeletal maturity, one may consider retaining dual GR instead of performing PSF. 4.

Elevated Serum Titanium Levels in Children With Early Onset Scoliosis Treated With Growth-friendly Instrumentation.

A previous study showed significantly higher serum titanium levels in patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) treated with traditional growing rods (TGR) and magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) compared with controls. Children with vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) were not assessed. The purpose of this study was to compare serum titanium levels in EOS patients treated with TGR, MCGR, and VEPTR. We hypothesized that EOS patients treated with all forms of growth-friendly instrumentation (GFI) have elevated serum titanium levels. This was a prospective cross-sectional case series. Serum titanium levels were collected from patients with GFI who were enrolled in an EOS database. Blood samples were collected at a clinic visit or lengthening/exchange procedure between April and December 2018. The normal range for serum titanium is 0 to 1 ng/mL. Analyses were conducted using analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test. A total of 23 patients (2 TGR, 8 MCGR, 13 VEPTR) were analyzed. There was a significant difference in age at the time of blood sample collection (12.5 vs. 9.8 vs. 7.5 y, P=0.015) and serum titanium level (1.5 vs. 4.5 vs. 7.6 ng/mL, P=0.021) between TGR, MCGR, and VEPTR, respectively. All of the MCGR and VEPTR patients had a serum titanium level ≥2 ng/mL. Binary comparisons showed that VEPTR had a significantly higher serum titanium level than TGR (P=0.046). There was no difference in serum titanium level when MCGR was compared with TGR and VEPTR. Time from implant insertion to blood sample collection, number of rods currently implanted, total number of rods implanted throughout treatment, and number of lengthenings per patient was similar between the groups. Elevated serum titanium levels may be present in EOS patients treated with all forms of GFI. Although our TGR patients had indwelling implants for the longest period of time, they had the lowest serum titanium level. Repetitive chest wall motion during respiration may lead to continued wear and metal ion release with VEPTR. Level II-therapeutic.

Comparison of the Effects of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod and Tradiotinal Growing Rod Techniques on the Sagittal Plane in the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis.

ObjectiveComparing the effects of magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) and traditional growing rod (TGR) techniques on the sagittal plane in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). MethodsTwelve patients were operated using dual MCGR technique in one center, while 15 patients were operated using dual TGR technique for EOS in another center. Patients’ demographic characteristics, complications and radiological measurements such as cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, T1–S1 range (mm), proximal junctional angle, distal junctional angle, sagittal balance, coronal balance, pelvic incidence, sacral slope and pelvic tilt were assessed and compared in preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up period. ResultsAge and sex distributions were similar in both groups. The mean number of lengthening in the MCGR group was 12 (8–15) and 4.8 (3–7) in the TGR group. Two techniques were shown to be effective in controlling the curvature and in the increase of T1–S1 distance. In TGR group, four patients had rod fractures, six patients had screw pull-out and four patients had an infection, whereas three patients had screw pull-out and one patient had infection complications in the MCGR group. ConclusionThere was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of cobb angle, coronal and sagittal balance and sagittal pelvic parameters. MCGR can cause hypokyphosis and proximal junctional kyphosis in a minimum 2-year follow-up period. The implant-related complications were less in the MCGR group. However, larger case groups and longer follow-up periods are required for the better understanding of the superiority of one method on other in terms of complications.

Magnetically controlled growing rods in early onset scoliosis : Indications, timing and treatment.

Early onset scoliosis (EOS) remains one of the most challenging aspects of pediatric spine deformity care. The management is often complex, and options are non-operative care with casting or bracing and operative interventions. Surgical treatment includes distraction-based, compression-based and growth-guided techniques. The decision making should focus on preservation of growth, control of curve progression, minimizing complications, but most importantly improvement of the quality of life. Distraction-based techniques are the most commonly used growth-friendly surgery and the magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) technique is being utilized increasingly more in the USA over the past 10years. The MCGR technique was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and available in the USA since 2014. It is indicated for the treatment of progressive EOS in immature patients and those at risk for thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS) with the goal of reducing the number of planned open surgical procedures for lengthening and minimizing the complications of more conventional techniques, such as traditional growing rods (TGR). The advent of MCGR has been agame changer for patients with EOS where the distractions are non-invasive and can be performed in outpatient clinics. Long-term follow-up is essential in understanding the outcome of any new treatment method especially in avery young and growing child. Multicenter registries with prospective data collection of pediatric spine deformity patients is imperative for understanding the outcomes of different methods of treatment, minimizing the complications and improving the quality of life of these children.