Researchers investigated factors related to rod slippage with magnetically controlled growing rods, in a new study published in Spine.
The study included 22 patients with magnetically controlled growing rods and at least six distraction episodes. Researchers identified those patients with fewer than six distraction episodes of rod slippages as early rod slippage. Those patients with more than six episodes or no slipping instances were considered late rod slippage.
Here are four takeaways.
1. The study found early rod slippage occurred in 14 patients.
2. Late rod slippage occurred in eight patients.
3. Researchers noted increased height, weight, body mass index, age as well as T-1-12 and T1-S1 lengths were significantly correlated with early rod slippage. The less distance between magnets also proved a factor for the occurrence of early rod slippage.
4. The study revealed reduced gains only after achieving one-third of the permitted distracted length in the magnetically controlled growing rod.