What is a Veptr surgery?
Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) is a surgically implanted device that is used for some deformities of the spine and chest wall in children that interferes with normal growth and function.
How do magec rods work?
The MAGEC system combines traditional growing rods with new magnet technology. MAGEC rods are put into a child’s back during surgery one time. After that, they can be lengthened in clinic using a remote control and powerful magnets. This allows a child to grow without needing repeat surgeries.
What are growing rods?
Growing rods allow for the chest and lungs to continue to grow while controlling the deformity. Traditional growing rods are placed in the back during surgery. The area of the curve is spanned by one or two rods, and they are attached to the spine above and below by hooks or screws.
What is Harrington rod?
The Harrington rod was a stainless steel spinal instrument that was implanted in the patient along their spinal column to treat a curvature in their spine starting in the 1960s. Harrington rods were the most common tool used for scoliosis to treat instability and deformity of the spine.
What is crankshaft phenomenon?
The crankshaft phenomenon, a progressive rotational and angular spinal deformity that can occur after posterior spinal surgery, has been reported in pediatric patients with idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular scoliosis.
What is thoracic insufficiency?
Thoracic insufficiency syndrome is a chest wall deformity that interferes with lung function and development. Children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome are born with the condition, which tends to get worse as they grow. In most cases, they are also born with congenital scoliosis.
How long do magec rods last?
But MAGEC rods differ in the way they are expanded; surgery is not needed. Instead, MAGEC rods are lengthened magnetically every three to six months in a short, non-invasive procedure that takes place in a doctor’s office.
What is the surgery for scoliosis?
The operation for scoliosis is a spinal fusion. The basic idea is to realign and fuse together the curved vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. With the tools and technology available today, scoliosis surgeons are able to improve curves significantly.
Do scoliosis rods come out?
There’s no coming back from this surgery. You can remove the Harrington rod, but you can’t un-fuse a fused spine. And this surgery will permanently affect the way you move on a daily basis. Many patients are surprised to find out how much their mobility has decreased after the surgery.
When is scoliosis surgery necessary for adults?
Surgery may be recommended for selected patients, including those who: do not respond to non-operative treatment after a period of time. have curves that exceed 50 degrees and have significant impairment of daily function. experience worsening lung or neurologic function.
Why are Harrington rods no longer used?
Not only is Harrington rod surgery costly and invasive, it can’t promise permanent results. Even if the surgery is considered a success because the patient’s Cobb angle is decreased and their spine is straighter, there is still the risk that progression can continue post-surgery.