Magnetically controlled growing rods for scoliosis in children

摘要

Kenneth Cheung and colleagues (May 26, p 1967)1 report, in a first-in-man study, that a less invasive approach involving a new magnetically controlled growing rod can treat scoliosis in children, and the initial results are very promising. However, we have several concerns about the proposed use of such rods. First, although the indication for magnetically controlled growing rods in patients with scoliosis is uncertain, we believe it should be same as that of a traditional growing rod procedure. The oldest skeletal age at which surgeons would start traditional growing rod treatment is 8-10 years. We would like to know whether the use of a magnetically controlled growing rod was appropriate for patients 2, 3, and 5, who were all olderthan 12 years.