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What can you tell me about the expandable rods used for scoliosis in young children? What are the risks? What kind of complications can develop?
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Scoliosis or curvature of the spine can develop at an early age. In fact children under the age of five can develop serious spinal scoliosis. Children with curves that are growing too fast to hold in place with bracing must have growing-rods placed along the spine.
The goal is to prevent deformities while still allowing for growth and development of the spine and trunk. Careful monitoring is essential to get the best results with the fewest problems.
In the database, there were 140 patients who had a total of 897 growing-rod procedures. More than half (58 per cent) of those 140 children had at least one complication. The rate of complications was higher in children with the single-rod support or subcutaneous placement. They also found that the more surgeries the child had, the greater the risk of problems developing.
There was a whole host of different complications. Infections, blood loss, rods breaking, painful scars, hook or screw pullout, and rods poking through the skin give you some idea of what was happening. There were also cases of lung, heart, and/or intestinal problems.
A recent study of this problem was done at the San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders in California. The information gathered on children came from The Growing Spine Study Group. This is a computer database with information downloaded from around the world. Various spine centers treating children with early-onset-scoliosis provided information about results of treatment using these growing rods.
Over the years, this group has been able to show that early spinal fusion (before age seven) is not a good idea. These are the kids who end up with cosmetic deformities and difficulty breathing. This same group was also able to show that growing rods have more complications than previously appreciated.
More recently, they found that the rate of complications is higher in children with the single-rod support or subcutaneous placement. They also found that the more surgeries the child had, the greater the risk of problems developing.
Anyone with a young child who has scoliosis that is getting rapidly worse must be prepared for sudden changes in treatment. Casting or bracing may be used at first and then replaced with surgery. Complications, problems, and additional (often unplanned) surgeries are to be expected.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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