Growing spine deformities: Are magnetic rods the final answer?

Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of various growth friendly instruments

Modality	Advantages	Disadvantages
Traditional growth rods/VEPTR	Fusionless surgery	Repeat surgical distractions, psychological issues
Shilla	Fusionless surgery, no repeat surgeries	Long term results awaited
		Growth potential dependent
Staple/tether	Less invasive, no repeat surgeries	Limited indications, lesser degree of severity

VEPTR: Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib.

Table 2 Single centre series of 10 patients operated by the senior surgeon

Parameter	Mean
Age	10.6 yr
Pre operative Cobb angle	83.1°
Last follow-up	65°
No. distraction/patients	3.4
External remote controller distraction	12.15 mm
Actual distraction	8.9 mm (73.25%)
Follow-up	14.3 mo
Correction mean	18.3°
Percentage correction	21.62%