ABSTRACT

Scoliosis appears to develop in two stages: curve initiation and subsequent progression. Distraction-based growth rods have been the mainstay of surgical intervention in Early-Onset Scoliosis (EOS) for more than a decade. The concept uses distraction to create additional soft-tissue space in-between the vertebrae for the bone to later grow into. Its universal application was thrusted through the use of traditional growth rods which required repeated invasive surgeries every 6–12 months for the sustenance of growth via distraction. Rod fracture is a common complication among all the long and rigid constructs used in the management of scoliosis and has been highlighted in several studies. Previous clinical studies have characterised the distraction forces and lengths observed during distraction episodes in EOS patients implanted with growth rods. Most cases of metallosis have been observed during necessary procedures for other clinical reasons. A factor that contributes to curve progression is called crankshaft phenomenon.