# Outcomes of Growth Rod Distraction in Early Onset Scoliosis: A Case Series From a Tertiary Spine Centre

## TL;DR

A case series shows growth rod distraction is safe and effective for treating early onset scoliosis in children, improving spinal alignment and thoracic growth.

## Contribution

The study provides clinical evidence supporting growth rod distraction as a viable treatment for early onset scoliosis in young children.

## Key findings

- Children showed progressive improvement in Cobb angle and thoracic height with each distraction.
- No neurological deficits, implant failure, or wound complications were observed.
- Families reported cosmetic and functional benefits from the treatment.

## Abstract

Early onset scoliosis (EOS) presents a unique challenge due to its potential to compromise thoracic growth and pulmonary development during childhood. Growth rod instrumentation offers a fusion-sparing approach that controls deformity while allowing spinal and thoracic expansion. This case series describes four children aged eight to 10 years with varying etiologies of EOS who underwent growth rod application followed by scheduled distraction procedures. Clinical records and radiographic findings were reviewed to document deformity magnitude, surgical intervention, serial lengthenings, and follow-up outcomes. All children showed progressive improvement in Cobb angle, thoracic height, and overall clinical alignment with each distraction, and none experienced neurological deficits, implant failure, or wound complications. Families also reported meaningful cosmetic and functional benefits. These observations support growth rod distraction as a safe and effective strategy for managing EOS in young children, promoting controlled deformity correction and thoracic development during critical growth years.