Growing Rod Surgery in India

Growing Rod Surgery – Detailed Description

Growing Rod Surgery is a spinal procedure mainly performed on young children who have severe scoliosis (abnormal sideways curvature of the spine) while their bones are still growing.

During this procedure, the surgeon attaches special metal rods to the spine using screws or hooks. These rods help control the spinal curve while allowing the child's spine and chest to continue growing.

Unlike traditional spinal fusion surgery, growing rod treatment does not permanently join the vertebrae together. The main goal is to control spinal curvature, support normal spinal growth, and improve body balance.

When Is Growing Rod Surgery Needed?

Growing Rod Surgery may be recommended for children with:

• Early-onset scoliosis.

• Severe spinal curvature that continues to increase.

• Spinal deformities affecting normal growth.

• Congenital scoliosis caused by abnormal spinal development.

• Neuromuscular scoliosis associated with certain medical conditions.

• Spinal curvature that does not respond adequately to bracing or other treatments.

Types of Growing Rod Surgery

• Traditional Growing Rods: Metal rods are attached to the spine and lengthened through additional surgeries as the child grows.

• Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGR): Special rods are lengthened using an external magnetic device, usually without repeated surgical procedures for lengthening.

• Dual Growing Rods: Two rods are placed on the spine to provide additional support and help control the spinal curve.

Benefits of Growing Rod Surgery

• Helps control abnormal spinal curvature.

• Allows the spine to continue growing.

• Supports chest development and lung growth.

• Improves spinal alignment and body balance.

• May reduce the progression of severe scoliosis.

• Helps maintain spinal length during childhood growth.

Recovery After Growing Rod Surgery

Recovery depends on the child's age, health, and severity of spinal curvature. Children usually stay in the hospital for several days after the procedure.

The doctor may recommend:

• Pain-relief medication.

• Proper wound care.

• Regular follow-up appointments.

• X-rays to monitor spinal alignment and rod position.

• Physiotherapy when appropriate.

• Avoiding heavy physical activities during early recovery.

• Regular monitoring of spinal growth.

Traditional growing rods may require repeated surgeries for lengthening. Magnetic growing rods can often be lengthened during outpatient visits. Treatment may continue until the child reaches sufficient skeletal maturity.

Possible Risks and Complications

Like any major surgery, Growing Rod Surgery may involve certain risks, including:

• Infection or bleeding.

• Rod breakage or loosening.

• Screw or implant displacement.

• Failure of the spinal curve to improve.

• Loss of correction over time.

• Wound healing problems.

• Additional surgeries.

• Metal implant-related complications.

Note: Growing Rod Surgery is generally considered for children with early-onset scoliosis who still have significant spinal growth remaining. Regular monitoring by a pediatric spine specialist is important throughout treatment.