Improved growing rod for early onset scoliosis

Abstract

Early onset scoliosis is a progressive spinal deformity that is diagnosed in patients before the age of five. Fusion surgeries are not applicable to these patients as their spine is still developing. Instead, the current treatment involves the use of ldquogrowing rods,rdquo fitted to the spine which can be extended manually by the surgeon semiannually, requiring invasive surgeries. This paper presents the development of an improved growing rod which can extend through a motorized mechanism using remote signals sent from an external transmitter. Testing via MTS machine and various apparatus, we have proved the efficacy and reliability of our growing rod in a clinical setting. This growing rod is readily compatible with existing pedicle screws and hooks used by current growing rods on the market, and provides a solution to the complications of multiple surgeries involved with the current treatment.