AIM: To measure the forces applied during distraction of growing-rods in early onset scoliosis(EOS), aimed at developing a motorized elongation device.METHODS: A consecutive series of measurements were carried out to ...AIM: To measure the forces applied during distraction of growing-rods in early onset scoliosis(EOS), aimed at developing a motorized elongation device.METHODS: A consecutive series of measurements were carried out to analyze the forces applied by the surgeon during distraction of single growing-rods in 10 patients affected by EOS(mean age 8.3 years; range 6 to 10 years) undergoing the first distraction 6 months following implantation of the rods. For each measurement, output from the transducer of a dedicated pair of distraction calipers was recorded at zero load status and at every 1 mm of distraction, up to a maximum of 12 mm for each of the two connected rods.RESULTS: Twenty measurements were obtained showing a linear increase of the load with increasing distraction, with a mean peak force of 485 N at 12 mm distraction and a single reading over 500 N. We did not observe bone fractures or ligament disruptions during or after rod elongations. There was one case of superficial wound infection in the cohort.CONCLUSION: The safe peak force carrying capacity of a motorized device for distraction of growing-rods is 500 N.展开更多
文摘AIM: To measure the forces applied during distraction of growing-rods in early onset scoliosis(EOS), aimed at developing a motorized elongation device.METHODS: A consecutive series of measurements were carried out to analyze the forces applied by the surgeon during distraction of single growing-rods in 10 patients affected by EOS(mean age 8.3 years; range 6 to 10 years) undergoing the first distraction 6 months following implantation of the rods. For each measurement, output from the transducer of a dedicated pair of distraction calipers was recorded at zero load status and at every 1 mm of distraction, up to a maximum of 12 mm for each of the two connected rods.RESULTS: Twenty measurements were obtained showing a linear increase of the load with increasing distraction, with a mean peak force of 485 N at 12 mm distraction and a single reading over 500 N. We did not observe bone fractures or ligament disruptions during or after rod elongations. There was one case of superficial wound infection in the cohort.CONCLUSION: The safe peak force carrying capacity of a motorized device for distraction of growing-rods is 500 N.
