Complications of Fusionless Correction of Early Onset Scoliosis Using Dual Growing Rods

Background: Growing rods are increasingly used for treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) worldwide. Beside promising outcomes, some authors are concerned about high rates of complications. In the current clinical trial, complications of EOS surgery using dual growing rods were investigated. Methods: Between June 2006 and February 2017, twenty-two consecutive patients with a coronal curve >45 degrees underwent serial surgical correction using dual growing rods at Shafa Orthopedic hospital, Tehran, I.R. Iran. The rods were secured using hooks or screws or both. The patients were followed for 5.2 +/- 1.7 years on average. Wilcoxon test was utilized to compare the pre- and post-operative values. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The scoliotic and kyphotic curves decreased significantly from 52 +/- 24 degrees to 38 +/- 19 degrees and from 78 +/- 22 degrees to 60 +/- 17 degrees, respectively (P < 0.001). Total rate of implant-related complications (IRCs) and surgical site complications (SSCs) were 54.5% (12 patients) and 22.7% (5 patients), respectively. Malpositioned pedicular screw was found in 2 patients. Conclusion: EOS can be effectively corrected using dual growing rods, however, considerable rates of IRC are of concern (54.5%). It seems necessary to compare the efficacy and complication rate of newer devices with those of growing rods in future studies.