Child with glowing spine surrounded by magnetic fields, symbolizing scoliosis treatment.

Scoliosis Breakthrough: Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods – A Ray of Hope

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Learn about the innovative, magnetically controlled growing rods that offer a new approach to treating rigid scoliosis in children, providing a less invasive alternative to traditional methods."

Scoliosis, a condition characterized by the abnormal curvature of the spine, affects millions worldwide, with a significant impact on children and adolescents. Traditional treatments, such as bracing and surgery, can be invasive and may present challenges for young, growing patients. However, recent advancements in medical technology offer a promising alternative: magnetically controlled growing rods.

These innovative rods are designed to correct spinal deformities gradually, without the need for frequent surgeries. This approach not only reduces the physical and emotional toll on young patients but also provides a more flexible and adaptable solution that grows with the child. The principles behind this treatment involve utilizing magnetic fields to non-invasively adjust the length of the rods, guiding the spine towards a straighter alignment over time.

This article explores the benefits, procedure, and impact of magnetically controlled growing rods, offering insights into how this technology is changing the landscape of scoliosis treatment. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or healthcare professional, understanding this groundbreaking approach can provide hope and inform decision-making for those affected by scoliosis.

How Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods Work: A New Era in Scoliosis Treatment

Child with glowing spine surrounded by magnetic fields, symbolizing scoliosis treatment.

Magnetically controlled growing rods represent a significant leap forward in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis. Unlike traditional growing rods, which require multiple surgeries to lengthen them as the child grows, these advanced rods can be adjusted non-invasively using an external remote control. This eliminates the need for repeated surgical interventions, reducing the risks and recovery time associated with each procedure.

The system consists of two main components: the implanted rod and the external remote control. The rod is surgically attached to the spine, spanning the curved section. Inside the rod is a magnetic mechanism that allows it to extend or retract. The external remote control generates a magnetic field that interacts with the mechanism in the rod, causing it to lengthen. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Initial Assessment and Planning: Before implantation, the medical team conducts a thorough assessment, including imaging studies, to determine the extent of the spinal curvature and plan the placement of the rods.
Surgical Implantation: The rods are surgically implanted along the spine. The procedure is similar to traditional growing rod surgery, but with the added advantage of future adjustments being non-invasive.
Post-operative Adjustments: After surgery, the rods are gradually lengthened using the external remote control. These adjustments are typically performed in an outpatient setting, eliminating the need for hospitalization.
Monitoring and Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the spine's alignment and ensure the rods are functioning correctly. Adjustments are made as needed to optimize spinal growth and correction.

The benefits of this approach are manifold. Not only does it reduce the number of surgeries a child must undergo, but it also minimizes the risk of infection, pain, and psychological stress associated with repeated procedures. Moreover, the ability to adjust the rods gradually allows for a more controlled and natural correction of the spinal curvature, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Scoliosis Care

Magnetically controlled growing rods represent a significant advancement in the treatment of scoliosis, offering a less invasive and more manageable option for young patients and their families. As research and technology continue to evolve, the future of scoliosis care looks brighter than ever. With ongoing innovations, it is conceivable that even more refined and effective treatments will emerge, further improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. The journey towards better spinal health is one of continuous improvement, and magnetically controlled growing rods are a crucial step in that direction.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00132-018-3656-y, Alternate LINK

Title: Erratum To: Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods For Rigid Scoliosis

Subject: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Journal: Der Orthopäde

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: R. Aldeeri, H. Almansour, Y. Kentar, S. Hemmer, W. Pepke, M. Akbar

Published: 2018-09-28

Everything You Need To Know

What are magnetically controlled growing rods, and how do they differ from traditional scoliosis treatments?

Magnetically controlled growing rods are an innovative treatment for early-onset scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine in children. Unlike traditional growing rods, which require multiple surgeries to lengthen as the child grows, magnetically controlled growing rods can be adjusted non-invasively using an external remote control. This reduces the need for repeated surgical interventions, minimizing the risks, pain, and recovery time associated with each procedure. The external remote control generates a magnetic field that interacts with the mechanism in the implanted rod, causing it to lengthen. While bracing is a non-surgical option, it's often less effective for rigid scoliosis, and traditional surgery can be quite invasive. Magnetically controlled growing rods offer a middle ground, providing correction without the repeated trauma of surgery.

How are magnetically controlled growing rods implanted and adjusted after surgery?

The implantation of magnetically controlled growing rods involves a surgical procedure similar to traditional growing rod surgery, where the rods are attached to the spine, spanning the curved section. The key difference lies in the post-operative adjustments. Instead of requiring additional surgeries to lengthen the rods, an external remote control is used to generate a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetic mechanism inside the rod, causing it to extend or retract. These adjustments are typically performed in an outpatient setting, eliminating the need for hospitalization for adjustments. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure proper spinal alignment and rod functionality, with adjustments made as needed.

What are the primary benefits of using magnetically controlled growing rods for children with scoliosis?

The primary benefits of magnetically controlled growing rods include reducing the number of surgeries a child must undergo, which in turn minimizes the risk of infection, pain, and psychological stress associated with repeated procedures. The ability to adjust the rods gradually allows for a more controlled and natural correction of the spinal curvature, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes. Traditional methods often involve more invasive procedures with longer recovery times, while magnetically controlled growing rods offer a less disruptive and more manageable treatment option. This can greatly improve the quality of life for young patients and their families by reducing the physical and emotional burden of scoliosis treatment.

What role does the external remote control play in the magnetically controlled growing rod system, and how does it work?

The external remote control is a critical component of the magnetically controlled growing rod system. Its primary function is to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the implanted rod. This magnetic field influences the internal mechanism of the rod, causing it to lengthen or retract without the need for surgical intervention. During post-operative adjustments, the external remote control is positioned near the child's back, and the generated magnetic field remotely manipulates the rod's length. This process allows healthcare professionals to gradually correct the spinal curvature over time, promoting better spinal alignment and growth. The external remote control eliminates the necessity for invasive surgical procedures and makes the treatment far more manageable.

What are the long-term implications and future possibilities for scoliosis treatment using magnetically controlled growing rods?

The long-term implications of using magnetically controlled growing rods are promising, as this approach offers a less invasive and more manageable option for young patients. Over time, this can lead to improved spinal alignment, reduced risk of complications, and a better quality of life. Future possibilities include further refinement of the technology, potentially leading to even more effective and precise treatments. Ongoing research and development could pave the way for personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by scoliosis. As the technology evolves, it is conceivable that even more refined and effective treatments will emerge, further improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.