Pin Fracture in Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods: Influence of the Year of Manufacture.

Background: Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) have a known issue with fracture of the internal locking pin resulting in early revisions. The manufacturer reported that rods manufactured before March 26, 2015, had a 5% risk of locking pin fracture. Locking pins made after this date are thicker in diameter and of a tougher alloy; their rate of pin fracture is not known.

Understanding the implant performance of magnetically controlled growing spine rods: a review article.

Purpose: Early-Onset Scoliosis (EOS) (defined as a curvature of the spine ≥ 10° with onset before 10 years of age) if not properly treated, can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Traditionally Growing Rods (TGRs), implants fixated to the spine and extended every 6-8 months by surgery, are considered the gold standard, but Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGRs) avoid multiple surgeries. While the potential benefit of outpatient distraction procedure with MCGR is huge, concerns still remain about its risks, up to the release of a Medical Device Alert (MDA) by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advising not to implant MCGRs until further notice.

Reconstruction of acetabular defects greater than Paprosky type 3B: the importance of functional imaging.

Background: 3D Surgical planning has become a key tool in complex hip revision surgery. The restoration of centre of rotation (CoR) of the hips and leg length (LL) are key factors in achieving good clinical outcome. Pelvic imaging is the gold standard for planning and assessment of LL.

Mechanical wear analysis helps understand a mechanism of failure in retrieved magnetically controlled growing rods: a retrieval study.

Background: To assess the relationship between mechanical wear and the failure of the internal lengthening mechanism in retrieved MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) growing rods.

Methods: This study included 34 MAGEC rods retrieved from 20 patients. The state of the internal mechanism and mechanical wear were assessed in all the rods using plain radiographs and visual inspection.

Management of patients with magnetically controlled growth rods amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: At the time of writing, we are all coping with the global COVID-19 pandemic. Amongst other things, this has had a significant impact on postponing virtually all routine clinic visits and elective surgeries. Concurrently, the Magnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) rod has been issued with a number of field safety notices and UK regulator medical device alerts.