CompletedNot Applicable

Study of the Surgical Treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis Using a Non-invasive Growing Rod

United Kingdom14 participantsStarted 2012-01

Plain-language summary

It is current practice for children who have surgery for early onset scoliosis (EOS) to be treated with insertion of extendable implants known as growth rod systems. This allows the growth potential of the child to be maximised during the period of growth. However, the child must undergo an average of 6 further surgeries to lengthen the rods every 6 months. Sometimes this may continue for several years. This requires repeated general anaesthesia and places the patient at risk of complications as well as on-going costs to the hospital with each admission and theatre episode. Magec is a magnetic growth rod from Ellipse technologies (distributed by SurgiC). The rod is inserted in exactly the same way as the conventional growth rod systems. The base implants i.e screws and hooks remain the preferred choice of the user. The only change is that a different rod is used. There are several advantages to this device. Firstly, after the initial insertion, further lengthenings, unlike current systems, do not need to be carried out in theatre under a general anaesthetic. In contrast, they can be done in an outpatients setting with a non-invasive technique. The rods are lengthened using an external magnetic device. The lengthenings are done in a controlled manner using an age related growth guide. Thirdly, the change from a theatre based intervention to an outpatient procedure will have cost-savings. The investigators also believe that there will be psychosocial benefits to the child and family by the avoiding the stress associated with repeated surgery at such a young age. In terms of risk assessment the device does not place the child at any more risk than would be expected from inserting any of the existing systems. In the event of failure of the rods the worst outcome is a revision to conventional rods.

Who can participate

Age range

2 Years – 10 Years

Sex

ALL

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Inclusion criteria

. Patient aged 2 - 10 years (male/female) with EOS and growth potential
. Patient who surgeon feels would benefit from the implantation of a growth rod
. Patient must be of appropriate size and age for use of the device
. Patient's guardian is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
. Patient (and guardian) is willing and able to return for all follow-up visits and study related procedures
. The patient's guardian is willing to allow his or her General Practitioner and consultant, if appropriate, to be notified of participation in the study

Exclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

To Assess the Safety and effectiveness of a Magnetic Growth Rod

Timeframe: 2 Years From Final Recruitment Date

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01362881

SponsorEllipse Technologies, Inc.

Sponsor typeINDUSTRY

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2016-02

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