MIAMI, Fla. – Every year in the U.S.. about 30,000 children are treated for scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. Doctors say a new device is revolutionizing the treatment of scoliosis in children.
Seven-year-old Rayven Richards was just a baby when her parents noticed something about her development just wasn't quite right.
Recommended Videos
"My husband actually noticed it he picked her up under her arms and he felt a little bit of a curvature," said Elrika Richards, Rayven's mom.
Rayven was diagnosed with scoliosis and the condition progressed quickly. By the age of 2, she started going through a series of body casts and braces. She had to wear a cast for 20 hours every day. She could only take it off for four hours a day.
If young children don't do well with casting or bracing, a metal rod could be implanted in the spine, but South Florida pediatric spine surgeon Dr. Harry Shufflebarger says it was a risky endeavor.
"I've been pretty resistant to operating on these little kids unless there's another way to do it because a procedure was needed every six months until age 10 or 11 and the complication rate is going to be 100 percent in terms of anchor loosening or infection," Shufflebarger said.
So, Shufflebarger was excited when the Food and Drug Administration recently approved a magnetic implantable growing rod, which can be adjusted several times a year in a simple in office procedure.
"You pass the magnet over the rod it turns a gear in the housing of the rod and that lengthens it," explained Shufflebarger.
He believes the new device will revolutionize the treatment of younger patients who are resistant to casting and bracing.
For Rayven, there was an immediate difference in her spine and her parents can see the amazing difference it's made in her life. Elrika says now that nothing is attached to her daughter, Rayven can swim and play and enjoy being a child.
The new growing rod stops the progression of this condition until children can undergo a spinal fusion, which usually happens around the age of 12. That spinal fusion is more permanent, so it's not good for younger patients because it stops the growth of the part of the spine that's fused. Doctors say that's why this magnetic device is such a fantastic alternative.