A study published in the Lancet journal has reported results of an early study of using magnetically controlled growing rods instrumentation for scoliosis, a novel concept that avoids future repeat surgeries.

The study has been published by Kenneth Man-Chee Cheung and colleagues on 19 April 2012, in early online publication.

Conventionally, the scoliosis is treated with placing rods to straighten the spine and lengthening them with multiple repeat surgeries as the child grows.

Magnetically controlled growing rods obviate the need for repeat surgeries. In these rods the lengthening is carried by a handheld magnetic, a procedure that can be done on outpatient basis. [Read more...]