Our Summary

This research paper discusses a new development in the treatment of early onset scoliosis (a potentially life-threatening and disfiguring condition) in children. Previously, treatment involved the surgical insertion of implants to help control the spine’s growth. This often required multiple surgeries to lengthen the devices as the child grew, which could lead to physical and emotional distress, as well as complications like dislodgement and infections.

However, the paper explores a new approach- a self-lengthening rod that can be adjusted magnetically. This means that the rod can be lengthened without the need for repeated surgeries- it can be done during a regular visit to the doctor’s office. The research compiled in this paper suggests that these magnetically controlled growing rods are a better option for treating early onset scoliosis in children, as they reduce the need for multiple surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What was the previous treatment for early onset scoliosis in children?
  2. How does the new magnetically controlled growing rod treatment work?
  3. What are the advantages of using magnetically controlled growing rods over the traditional surgical method?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery with magnetically controlled growing rods is to follow the recommended schedule for adjustments. It is important for the rod to be lengthened at regular intervals to ensure proper spine growth and alignment. Missing or delaying adjustments can impact the success of the treatment. It is also important to keep up with follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the medical team. By staying proactive and adhering to the treatment plan, the patient can optimize the benefits of the surgery and achieve the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended pediatric scoliosis surgery are those with early onset scoliosis, a severe curvature of the spine that can progress rapidly in young children. These patients may have a curvature of the spine greater than 40-50 degrees, which can lead to breathing difficulties, heart problems, and other serious health issues if left untreated. Additionally, patients with scoliosis that is not responding to conservative treatments such as bracing may also be recommended for surgery. Surgery may also be recommended for patients with progressive scoliosis that is causing pain, deformity, or other complications. Ultimately, the decision to recommend surgery for pediatric scoliosis is made on a case-by-case basis by a team of specialists including orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals.

Timeline

Timeline:

Before surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with early onset scoliosis, usually between the ages of 5-9 years old.
  • Patient undergoes non-surgical treatments such as bracing and physical therapy to try to slow the progression of the curve.
  • As the curve worsens and reaches a certain degree of severity, surgery is recommended.

During surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pediatric scoliosis surgery, where the surgeon inserts the self-lengthening rod into the spine to help correct the curvature.
  • The rod is adjusted to the correct length during the surgery.

After surgery:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for a few days to ensure proper healing and recovery.
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.
  • Patient begins physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the spine.
  • Patient returns to the doctor’s office for regular check-ups and adjustments to the rod using magnetic control.
  • Over time, the rod is lengthened as the child grows, reducing the need for additional surgeries.
  • Patient undergoes periodic X-rays to monitor the progression of the spine curvature and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Overall, the use of magnetically controlled growing rods offers a more efficient and less invasive treatment option for pediatric scoliosis, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for young patients.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after surgery and what can be expected during this time?
  3. Will the surgery completely correct the curvature of the spine or will additional treatments be needed in the future?
  4. How often will follow-up appointments be necessary after the surgery?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or limitations that my child may experience as a result of the surgery?
  6. How does the magnetically controlled growing rod work and what are the benefits compared to traditional implant devices?
  7. What is the success rate of using magnetically controlled growing rods for pediatric scoliosis treatment?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions that my child will need to follow after the surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing pediatric scoliosis surgeries, particularly using magnetically controlled growing rods?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for pediatric scoliosis, and how do they compare to surgery with magnetically controlled growing rods?

Reference

Authors: Metkar U, Kurra S, Quinzi D, Albanese S, Lavelle WF. Journal: Expert Rev Med Devices. 2017 Feb;14(2):117-126. doi: 10.1080/17434440.2016.1274230. Epub 2017 Jan 3. PMID: 28044467