Growing rods including MAGEC

UPDATE: 01/04/2020
The U.K. Government Department – Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a Field Safety Notice stopping the use of the MAGEC system. A review is being carried out. There is a process to use these if that is what you want.
More information from GOV.UK at the following link
“Spinal implant: All MAGEC Systems – supply suspended to the UK (MDA/2020/011)”

When you are small you have a lot of spine growth left. Sometimes if we need to operate for a scoliosis we may try to keep your spine growing as well. The spine rods are called “growing rods” with a number of types put in at a first operation. These are lengthened as you grow with many systems needing a small operation with a general anaesthetic each time.

A new system that was approved outside of Scotland in June 2014 is now available here. They are called MAGEC = MAGnectic Expansion Control. These growing rods are lengthened in a normal out-patient clinic. Thanks to Gillan and his family for letting us show you his X-rays and video.

U.K. National Guidance is found on these web sites:

National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – Guidance MTG 18

British Scoliosis Society (BSS) – Early Onset Scoliosis