Magnetic rods cut need for extra scoliosis surgeries
Baku, April 25 (AZERTAC). New magnetically-controlled growing rods (MCGR) inserted along the spine can treat curved spine or scoliosis in children without the repeated invasive surgeries.
Researchers of the University of Hong Kong successfully used remotely controllable rods for the treatment of five 4- to 14-year-old children who suffered from scoliosis, a condition that can cause cosmetic disfigurement and breathing problems if left untreated.
Normally, rods fixed to the spine have to be lengthened every six months under general anesthesia to keep pace with the child`s growth.
The new technology, on the other hand, only needs an initial surgery to insert the rod which can then be manipulated without surgery and by using an external, hand-held magnetic device placed over the implanted, internal magnet.
During the two-year follow up, researchers visited their patients every month and raised the length of the spine by 1.9 mm in each treatment session, say the report published in The Lancet.
“They basically come back to our clinic once every month and we spend 30 seconds just to extend the rod and the patient can go back to school,” said researcher Kenneth Man-Chee Cheung.
“MCGR will eliminate the need for repeated operations under general anesthesia, wound complications, and socioeconomic and health-care costs associated with the procedure.”
Researchers suggested that their method helps scoliosis treatment and can also be applied for conditions such as “limb abnormalities, thoracic insufficiency syndrome, limb lengthening, limb salvage procedures, or any disorders or injuries in which slow, progressive change to bone structures is needed.”
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