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What are magic rods for scoliosis?
The MAGEC™ (MAGnetic Expansion Control) Spinal Growing Rod is a non-invasive treatment for children with early onset scoliosis. After the initial procedure to implant the rod, doctors use an external remote control outside of the body to lengthen the magnetically controlled rod as a child grows.
What is spinal rodding?
In a spinal fusion surgery, a rod is used to connect screws inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies in order to prevent motion and allow fusion to occur across the disc space. After fusion is achieved, the rod and screws may be safely removed in a subsequent back surgery.
Are scoliosis rods MAGnetic?
The MAGEC rods are made of titanium and have a small magnet inside them. They are attached to your child’s spine during surgery. The rods brace the spine as your child grows to help keep your child’s scoliosis from getting worse.
Is there any spine lengthening surgery?
Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons surgically implant a set of growing rods into a young patient’s spine using hooks or screws. Every six months, to keep up with the child’s growing body, the doctor manually lengthens the rod one centimeter—a procedure that can only be done surgically.
Do spinal fusions last a lifetime?
Surgical screws, rods or metal plates are used to hold the vertebrae together. In more complex cases, two or more interlocking vertebrae may be involved in the spinal fusion procedure. The results of a fusion are permanent.
How do magic rods work?
The MAGEC system combines traditional growing rods with new magnet technology. MAGEC rods are put into a child’s back during surgery one time. After that, they can be lengthened in clinic using a remote control and powerful magnets. This allows a child to grow without needing repeat surgeries.
How can I increase my spine height?
Here is what you can do to ensure your bones are healthy and strong:
- Balance your calcium and magnesium intake.
- Do weight bearing exercises regularly.
- Do strengthening exercises.
- Perform extension exercises for your spine.
- Learn good posture techniques.
What is the MAGEC™ spinal growing rod?
The MAGEC™ (MAGnetic Expansion Control) Spinal Growing Rod is a non-invasive treatment for children with early onset scoliosis. After the initial procedure to implant the rod, doctors use an external remote control outside of the body to lengthen the magnetically controlled rod as a child grows.
What are spinal rods and how do they work?
The rods — which are surgically attached to the spine above and below the curve and then lengthened during follow-up surgical procedures — allow the spine to continue growing while managing the curve until the child is old enough for spinal fusion.
What is the MAGEC rod procedure for scoliosis?
Scoliosis curves can usually be corrected by 50% at the time of the first surgery. Another goal of the MAGEC Rod Procedure is to eliminate the need for future surgery. As your child grows, the rods are lengthened by magnetic remote control, eliminating the need for rods to be surgically adjusted. How long does the procedure last?
How are Magec rods different from normal rods?
But MAGEC rods differ in the way they are expanded; surgery is not needed. Instead, MAGEC rods are lengthened magnetically every three to six months in a short, non-invasive procedure that takes place in a doctor’s office. Most children have two MAGEC rods — on the right and left side of the spine — and each is adjusted individually.