Magnetically controlled growing rods in the management of early onset scoliosis: a systematic review

Abstract Background Early onset scoliosis (EOS) presents in patients younger than 10 years. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) were developed as an outpatient distraction system for EOS, allowing to avoid multiple surgeries. This systematic review investigated the efficacy and feasibility of MCGR in EOS. Methods This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Google scholar, Embase, and Scopus were accessed in May 2022. All the clinical trials which investigate the role of MCGR for early onset scoliosis were accessed. Only studies reporting data in patients younger than 10 years with a preoperative Cobb Angle greater than 40° were eligible. The following data was extracted at baseline and at last follow-up: mean kyphosis angle, overall mean Cobb angle, mean T1–S1 length. Data from complication were also collected. Results Data from 23 clinical studies (504 patients) were included in the present study. 56% (282 of 504) were females. The average length of the follow-up was 28.9 ± 16.0 months. The mean age of the patients was 8.7 ± 1.9 years old. The mean BMI was 17.7 ± 7.6 kg/m2. The mean kyphosis angle had reduced by the last follow-up (P = 0.04), as did the overall mean Cobb angle (P