A new study published in Spinal Deformity examines the factors that influence complication rate among young patients who undergo surgery with traditional growing rods for early onset scoliosis.
There were around 110 patients who underwent surgery with the traditional growing rod procedure for early onset scoliosis. The patients were younger than 10 years old when the treatment began. The researchers found:
1. There was a significant decrease in the major curve magnitude among the patients.
2. Patients also reported increased thoracic height and increased spine height. There wasn't a significant change in thoracic kyphosis.
3. Eight-seven patients, 79 percent of the patients, reported 263 complications. The complications resulted in 84 unplanned surgeries.
4. Common complications were:
• Implant-related: 49 percent
• Surgical site infection: 23 percent
• Medical: 19 percent
• Alignment: 6 percent
• Neurological: 3 percent
5. The significant independent predictors of complications were:
• Age less than 7.6 years
• Thoracic kyphosis more than 38 degrees
• Major curve magnitude more than 84 degrees
"These findings provide a valuable tool for predicting complications that may aid in surgical planning and shared decision making with patients and their families," concluded the study authors.