The impact of revision of one or more rods on refracture rate and implant survival following rod fracture in instrumentation without fusion constructs in the management of early-onset scoliosis

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2014 May;23(3):288-90. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000035.

Abstract

Growing rods are used in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis. It is uncertain how many rods should be replaced following rod fracture. This is a 13-year retrospective study of 33 single-rod fractures. After treatment, there were 15 refractures (45%), 80% in the same rod. In 11 with single-rod revision, seven refractured with a mean time of 16 months. When both rods were revised (n=18), six refractured (P=0.14) after a mean of 18 months (P=0.43). Our unit policy is revision of the broken rod alone following initial single-rod fracture and revision of all rods for subsequent fractures.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scoliosis / surgery*