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Topic:

Early Onset Scoliosis

Issue:

Spine

Category:

​

Title:

The Evaluation of Serum Metal Ion Levels and Metallosis in Graduated Patients With Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods

Author:

Alberghina, Flavia; McManus, Robin MRCSI; Keogh, Cillian MRCSI; Turner, Henry MRCSI; Moore, David; Noël, Jacques; Kennedy, Jim; Kiely, Patrick

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

January 2024

Reference:

44(1): p 43-48, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002526

Level Of Evidence:

IV

# of Patients:

24

Study Type:

Observational study

Location:

Not specified

Summary:

This study evaluates serum metal ion levels and local metal debris-related changes in children who underwent magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) treatment for early-onset scoliosis, upon transitioning to definitive fusion.

Methods:

Inclusion Criteria: Children who underwent definitive fusion after MCGR treatment. Exclusion Criteria: None stated. Intervention: Serum metal ion level measurement (titanium, cobalt, chromium) and histological analysis of peri-implant tissue samples at the completion of MCGR treatment. Outcomes Measured: Serum metal ion levels (titanium, cobalt, chromium) Histological analysis of peri-implant tissue for metal debris and foreign body reactions Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics for serum metal ion levels and histological findings.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

Serum Metal Ion Levels: 96% (23 of 24) of patients had elevated serum metal ion levels at the end of MCGR treatment. Mean serum titanium: 165.4 nmol/L (range: 30 to 390 nmol/L) Mean serum cobalt: 4.6 nmol/L (range: 1.2 to 14 nmol/L) Mean serum chromium: 14 nmol/L (range: 2.4 to 30 nmol/L) Histological Findings: All patients had peri-implant soft tissue changes, including local metal debris and foreign body reactions.

Conclusions:

Conclusions: Most patients demonstrated elevated serum metal ion levels and local metal debris-related changes in soft tissue at the completion of MCGR treatment. The clinical significance of these findings is not yet known, and further research is required.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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