Using ultrasound to measure length of magnetic growth rod in scoliosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using ultrasound to measure the change in length of magnetic growth rods in scoliosis compared to current radiography
IRAS ID
135956
Contact name
Wai Weng Yoon
Contact email
Research summary
Magnetic growth rods have been used for the treatment of early onset scoliosis (curvature of the spine). The reason for the growing rods are that the patients are not skeletal mature and will therefore grow. By being able to lengthen the rods magnetically the curvature of the spine can be corrected as the spine grows without the need for further operative intervention reducing both risk of morbidity from future operations and psychological distress for the children.
One of the key monitoring methods has been with xray’s and as we lengthen these children every 3 to 6 months exposure to xrays is reasonably high. This study aims to minimise radiation exposure by using ultrasound to determine the length of the growth rod hence reducing radiation exposure.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1240
Date of REC Opinion
6 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion