Spine-straightening device approved by NICE
25 Jun 2014 03:33 PM
A device that can
straighten and lengthen curved spines in children, and reduce the need for
repeat surgery, has been green-lit by NICE under new
guidance.
Scoliosis is a condition
diagnosed in childhood, where the spine curves and bends to one side. In most
cases, the curvature corrects itself in as the child grows. Treatments are also
available to stop the spine from curving further, such as a back brace, or an
external plaster cast.
If neither of these methods
work, growth rods are surgically inserted around the spine in a procedure
performed under general anaesthetic, and which might require an overnight stay
in hospital. The rods are then straightened in further periodic surgical
procedures performed twice a year.
The MAGEC system is a
device recommended by NICE for
children aged 2 and over to correct their scoliosis, and which can help prevent
the need for these repeat surgical procedures.
The device includes up to two
growth rods that are surgically inserted and attached to the ribs or the spine
above and below the curved section of the spine.
The rods are then lengthened
using a magnet and screw system that sits within the rod, and which can be
controlled via remote control. The lengthening of the rods can be carried out
in an outpatients clinic, and doesn't require general
anaesthetic.
NICE says that the device could
save the NHS an estimated £12,000 per child over 6
years.
Professor Carole Longson,
Director of the NICE Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, said: “We
are delighted to publish this guidance which can help make a real difference to
children who need surgery for a curved spine.
"The NICE guidance advises
that the MAGEC system can benefit these children with scoliosis, and save the
NHS money."
She added: "Where standard
treatment for scoliosis such as a back brace hasn't worked, the guidance
says that the MAGEC system offers a real improvement over the current surgical
option involving conventional growth rods.
"Using standard growth rods
requires repeated surgical procedures which are needed to extend the rods as
the child grows. Having surgery sometimes twice a year to extend the rods can
be difficult for the child and their family or carers, and can cause
distress.
Jane Clarke, whose grandson is
being treated with the MAGEC system, said: "Our child required spinal
growth rods when he was eight, to counter a worsening spinal curvature. MAGEC
growth rods were inserted, and for the past two years he's attended
outpatients every three months to have these lengthened.
"The procedure is virtually
painless, takes about fifteen minutes, and he meets other children having the
same treatment, which means he feels less isolated. He has an x-ray or
ultrasound, and is ready to go home after just an hour.
"Conventional growth rods
would mean the pain and distress of surgery every six months: that's four
operations he's avoided in the past 2 years, thanks to the MAGEC system. I
hope that this new NICE guidance will help more children to benefit from this
device."