2005 Comparison of Single and Dual Growing Rod Techniques Followed through Definitive Surgery AAOS

Description: Abstract Paper No: 265 Thursday, February 24, 2005 04:42 PM - 04:48 PM George H Thompson, MD Cleveland OH (n) Behrooz A Akbarnia, MD La Jolla CA (d,e-DePuy) Patricia Nieman Kostial, RN (n) Connie Poe-Kochert, RN Cleveland OH (n) Douglas G Armstrong, MD Cleveland OH (n) Jeffrey Roh, MD New York NY (n) Robert Lowe, MD Chicago IL (n) Marc Addason Asher, MD Kansas City KS (d,e-DePuy) David S Marks, FRCS Birmingham, England United Kingdom (d,e-DePuy) Growing rod techniques using single or dual rods are effective in controlling curve progression, providing correction and allowing for some spinal growth. The results of dual rod instrumentation were better than single rod instrumentation. This is due to a stronger construct and more frequent lengthenings. The worst results occurred in those who had a short apical fusion. We feel this should no longer be utilized, as it appears to predispose to stiffening of the curve, crankshaft phenomena, less correction, and increased incidence of complications