2021 COA/CORS/CORA Annual Meeting: Comparison of Magnetically-Controlled Growing Rods to Other Distraction-Based Surgical Technologies in Children With Early-Onset Scoliosis

Eighteen studies containing a total of 636 children with early-onset scoliosis were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing magnetically controlled growing rods to traditional growing rods. Outcomes of interest included Cobb angle, complication rate, quality of life, serum titanium levels, and cost-effectiveness. Results of this meta-analysis revealed significantly lower pooled complication rate, higher quality of life, and higher serum titanium levels in the magnetically controlled growing rod group compared to the traditional group (p<0.05 for all). Whilst the device and installation cost was higher in the magnetically controlled growing rod group, by 4 years post-operation it became cost-neutral or cost-effective compared to traditional technologies.