Editorial: Advances in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis?

curvature of the spine under the age of 10 years, are offered surgical treatment when the major curvature remains progressive despite conservative treatment. Spinal fusion is not recommended in this age group, as it prevents spinal growth and pulmonary development. A growth-sparing technique using traditional growing rods has been commonly used, but requires distraction under general anaesthesia every 6 months, and a child may require as many as 15 operations throughout the entire treatment.1 The number and frequency of such distractions is correlated with complication rates and unplanned surgical procedures. A magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) is a novel technology that enables non-invasive spinal lengthening in an awake patient in an out-patient setting. The indications for MCGR are identical to those of traditional growing rods, but MCGR has advantages of obviating the need for repeated surgical distractions. Cheung et al.2 first demonstrated efficacy and safety of this implant system in its ability to maintain curve correction and allow spinal growth. Editorial: Advances in the treatment of earlyonset scoliosis?