Readers ask: What Is Rod Rolling Orthopedics?

What are scoliosis rods called?

The Harrington rod (or Harrington implant) is a stainless steel surgical device. Historically, this rod was implanted along the spinal column to treat, among other conditions, a lateral or coronal-plane curvature of the spine, or scoliosis.

What qualifies patients to receive the magec rods?

To be considered for MAGEC growing rods at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), your child will need to meet certain criteria, including: Have significant, progressive scoliosis (generally diagnosed as early-onset scoliosis or idiopathic scoliosis. Be skeletally immature and have significant bone growth

How are Harrington rods placed?

Harrington rod is a surgical implant used to stretch the spine in order to correct abnormal curvature. The rod is attached to the spine with hooks inserted into the vertebra at the top of the curve and the vertebra at the bottom of the curve.

Why would you need rods in your back?

To fuse the vertebrae together permanently, the surgeon places the bone graft material between the vertebrae. Metal plates, screws or rods may be used to help hold the vertebrae together while the bone graft heals.

What age is best for scoliosis surgery?

Children with scoliosis between 3-10 years of age is normally the time when the best long term results can be achieved.

Why are Harrington rods no longer used?

Harrington Rod Issues For spines that are still growing and have had spinal-fusion, these patients are at a much higher risk of experiencing progression above and below the site of fusion; this result is referred to as ‘Crankshaft phenomenon’.

What does magec rods stand for?

MAGEC rods are used to treat certain types of early onset scoliosis (EOS). MAGEC stands for MAGnetic Expansion Control. Growing rods have been used to treat scoliosis for many years. Here’s how traditional growing rods and MAGEC rods differ: Traditional growing rods are placed into a child’s back during surgery.

What are growing rods?

For children who are still growing and have not reached skeletal maturity, growing rod implant surgery is often the recommended treatment to correct the spinal curve and allow continued growth of the spine. The rods are attached to the spine at two spots — above and below the curve.

What are growth rods?

Growth -guided devices use instrumentation designed to correct the scoliosis while allowing the child to grow. Like a growth rod approach, two rods are implanted on each side of the spine. With growth -guided devices, the rods are attached to screws or wires, called anchor points, along the spine.

Can Harrington rods be removed?

You can remove the Harrington rod, but you can ‘t un-fuse a fused spine. And this surgery will permanently affect the way you move on a daily basis. Many patients are surprised to find out how much their mobility has decreased after the surgery.

Can Harrington rods break?

Even when a solid fusion is present, approximately 10% to 15% of Harrington rods subsequently fracture, again due to micro movement in day-to-day activities. If local discomfort is present at, or about, the site of the rod breakage, it is an indication for its removal.

How long does a Harrington rod last?

This system was utilized from the 1960s to the 1980s. With modern scoliosis implant systems and techniques, this problem is much less common. Patients treated with Harrington rods often do well for years or even decades. The spine can compensate for the “flattening” of lordosis with normal discs below the fusion.

Can medical screws come loose?

The cortical screws holding the sideplate to the bone may come loose. The sideplate may fracture at a screw hole. The lag screw may perforate the articular surface of the femur.

Is Spinal fusion a disability?

If you have suffered from a spinal disorder that has resulted in you undergoing spinal fusion, but you are still unable to work, you may be eligible to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

What does a broken rod in spine feel like?

Sharp pain in the area of surgery. Discomfort in the back. Numbness or tingling in the back, legs, or extremities.