What is MAGEC?

MAGEC stands for MAGnetic Expansion Control. Growing rods have been used to treat scoliosis for many years. Here’s how traditional growing rods and MAGEC rods differ: Traditional growing rods are placed into a child’s back during surgery.

How long do magec rods last?

But MAGEC rods differ in the way they are expanded; surgery is not needed. Instead, MAGEC rods are lengthened magnetically every three to six months in a short, non-invasive procedure that takes place in a doctor’s office.

How do magec rods work?

MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) growing rods are used to treat children with significant spinal curvature resulting from scoliosis. In this treatment system, a spine surgeon will attach one or two magnetic rods to the curve of a spine and then use an external remote control to lengthen the rods as a child grows.

What are magec rods made of?

MAGEC is an adjustable growing rod placed inside your child’s body that uses a magnetic remote control outside the body to lengthen the rod. The MAGEC rods are made of titanium and have a small magnet inside them. They are attached to your child’s spine during surgery.

What type of rods are used for scoliosis surgery?

The Harrington rod is a metal rod that is commonly used in scoliosis surgeries performed in the United States. Harrington rod insertion is a component of spinal-fusion surgery used to reduce a patient’s Cobb angle.

What is halo traction?

Halo-gravity traction is a way to pull the head and spine upward carefully, applying a slow stretch to the spine. Doctors do this by attaching a halo (a metal ring that surrounds the head) to a pulley system.

How long does VBT surgery take?

They attach the tether to the screws. The tether is pulled tight to help correct the curve in the spine. It normally takes about four to six hours to complete the surgery.

Can scoliosis come back after surgery?

In scoliosis surgery infections are rare, but well described, usually occurring in the direct post-operative period, incidentally as a late infection one or more years after initial surgery.

Can rods break after scoliosis surgery?

Fracture of the distraction rod is one of the complications following operative treatment of scoliosis by the device of Harrington. It is reported to occur in about 7% of cases. We found this complication twice in our own number of 41 patients during a follow up period of 1 to 4 years.

What is the ellipse Magec system?

Founded in 2005, Ellipse has commercialized two highly differentiated and rapidly adopted product families: the MAGEC−EOS spinal bracing and distraction system for treatment of early onset scoliosis and the PRECICE® limb lengthening system, or PRECICE LLD, for treatment of limb length discrepancy.

What is the MAGEC system?

The MAGEC system comprises a magnetically distractible spinal rod implant and an external remote controller, which is used to distract (lengthen) the implant. The device, developed by the sponsor Ellipse Technologies Inc., is used to prevent worsening of scoliosis in children who have not responded to other treatments.

What is Magec for scoliosis?

Scoliosis—structural lateral curvature of the spine—affects around four children per 1,000. The MAGEC system comprises a magnetically distractible spinal rod implant and an external remote controller, which lengthens the rod; this system avoids repeated surgical lengthening.

What do I need to know about Magec treatment?

If you have questions about treatment with the MAGEC system, please consult your health care provider. The MAGEC system utilizes innovative magnetic technology within adjustable growing rods and an external remote controller (ERC) to help avoid distraction surgeries from the treatment for early-onset scoliosis (EOS).