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Growing Rods

Overview

What are growing rods?

Growing rods are a specialised surgical treatment for children with early onset scoliosis (EOS). Designed to control spinal curvature while allowing the spine and chest to grow, growing rods offer a fusionless solution for very young patients with severe or progressive curves. There are both traditional and magnetically-controlled (MAGEC) systems, but the goal is the same: maintain spinal alignment and promote growth to improve long-term function and quality of life.

Who is it for?

If your child is under 10 years of age (sometimes up to 12), with a progressive curvature of the spine greater than 40–50 degrees, and bracing or casting has not stopped the curve from worsening, they may be considered for growing rod surgery.

Growing rods are used for children who meet the following criteria:

  • Early onset scoliosis (diagnosed under age 10)
  • Rapidly progressive curves, especially those affecting trunk or lung development
  • Poor response to non-surgical management (bracing/casting)
  • Curves likely to cause long-term deformity or respiratory compromise if untreated

What the Procedure Involves

Here’s what to expect during growing rod surgery:

  • Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions over the top and bottom of the curved part of the spine
  • Anchors (screws or hooks) are secured to the vertebrae at the upper and lower ends of the curve
  • One or two rods are attached between the anchors, partially correcting the curvature while being left “unfused” in the centre so the spine and chest can continue to grow
  • With traditional rods, the child returns to theatre every 6–12 months for planned lengthening procedures to match growth; magnetically-controlled rods often allow lengthening in the clinic using a special device on the skin
  • The construct remains in place until adequate growth is reached, usually around age 10 or older, when conversion to permanent fusion may be considered
  • Incisions are closed in the usual manner, and close post-operative care is provided

Risks and Complications

While growing rods are a life-changing treatment for many, families should be aware of specific risks:
Potential complications include:

  • Surgical site infection
  • Implant-related issues (rod breakage or loosening, anchor dislodgment)
  • Wound or skin irritation over implant sites
  • Discomfort and reduced spinal flexibility at treated levels
  • Neurological injury (very rare)
  • Repeated anaesthesia/exposure from multiple lengthening procedures
  • Non-union or failure to control curve progression (may require revision surgery or conversion to fusion)
  • General risks of surgery such as bleeding or blood clots
    The overall complication rate can range from 25–40%, most of which can be managed, and the benefit of early curve control generally outweighs the risks.

Recovery Expectations and Duration

Recovery from growing rod insertion is steady and generally well-tolerated:

  • Hospital stay is typically 3–5 days
  • Children often begin walking within 1–2 days of surgery
  • Return to school is typical within 2–4 weeks, with activity restrictions for 6–8 weeks to allow for healing
  • No casts or braces are usually required post-operatively
  • Subsequent lengthening procedures (for traditional rods) may require short overnight stays; MAGEC rods may be lengthened in-clinic without surgery
  • Return to full sports is possible about 6 months after the initial surgery, once comfort and healing are confirmed
  • The rods remain in the spine until skeletal maturity or adequate growth is achieved; final fusion may be performed to stabilise the curve permanently

FAQs

How are growing rods different from a spinal fusion?
Growing rods control the curve while allowing the spine and chest to keep growing, which is critical in young children. Spinal fusion permanently stops growth at the treated segment, so it is delayed until the child is older if possible.

Will my child need many surgeries?
With traditional rods, lengthening procedures are needed every 6–12 months. Magnetically-controlled rods require fewer operations, as lengthening is non-invasive and performed in the clinic.