Early experience of MAGEC magnetic growing rods in the treatment of early onset scoliosis

Purpose

Magnetically controlled growing rod systems have been introduced over recent years as an alternative to traditional growing rods for management of early onset scoliosis. The purpose of this paper is to report our early experience of a magnetically controlled growing rod system (MAGEC, Ellipse).

Methods

Review of pre-operative, postoperative and follow-up Cobb angles and spinal growth in case series of eight patients with a minimum 23 months’ follow-up (23–36 months).

Results

A total of six patients had dual rod constructs implanted and two patients received single-rod constructs. Four patients had MAGEC rods as a primary procedure. Four were revisions from other systems. Mean age at surgery in the primary group was 4.5 years (range 3.9–6.9). In patients who had MAGEC as a primary procedure, mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 74° (63–94), with postoperative Cobb angle of 42° (32–56) p ≤ 0.001 (43 % correction). Mean Cobb angle at follow-up was 42° (35–50). Spinal growth rate was 6 mm/year. One sustained proximal screw pull out. A final patient sustained a rod fracture. Mean age at surgery in the revision group was 10.9 years (range 9–12.6). Mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 45° (34–69). Postoperative Cobb angle was 42° (33–63) (2 % correction). Mean Cobb angle at follow-up was 44° (28–67). Mean spinal growth rate was 12 mm/year. Two patients developed loss of distraction.

Conclusion

MAGEC growing rod system effectively controls early onset scoliosis when used as either a primary or revision procedure. Although implant-related complications are not uncommon, the avoidance of multiple surgeries following implantation is beneficial compared with traditional growing rod systems.