Journal of Clinical Medicine
Longitudinal Radiographic Outcomes and Revision Burden After Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod Treatment for Early-Onset Scoliosis
By Yasar Ünsal, Kadir Çetinkaya, Recai Kulak and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
To evaluate longitudinal radiographic outcomes, exploratory radiographic response, and planned versus unplanned revision burden after magnetically controlled growing rod treatment in patients with early-onset scoliosis.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients with early-onset scoliosis treated with magnetically controlled growing rods at a single center. Complete year-3 radiographic measurements were available for 40 patients; therefore, year-3 estimates were conditional on imaging availability. Cobb angle, T1–S1 length, and apical vertebral translation (AVT) were assessed preoperatively and at postoperative years 1, 2, and 3. Longitudinal changes were evaluated using generalized estimating equations. Exploratory radiographic responder endpoints included ≥20° Cobb correction, ≥30% Cobb correction, and a ≥30 mm preoperative-to-year-3 T1–S1 length difference. Freedom from unplanned revision and composite endpoints were also evaluated. The radiographic thresholds were pragmatic and were not validated measures of clinically important improvement.