Introduction: The traditional growing rod method is considered the standard treatment for early-onset scoliosis, involving periodic lengthening of the rod until skeletal maturity. However, post-treatment management following the conclusion of growth modulation remains inconsistent.
Objective: To monitor and evaluate the ability to maintain deformity correction, spinal growth, and complications in patients after completing treatment with traditional growing rods.
Method: A retrospective descriptive study of cases where treatment was concluded using traditional growing rods for EOS in children, conducted at the Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital from 2010 to March 2025.
Results: 8 patients (3 males, 5 females) were treated with traditional growing rods completed treatment: 2 underwent final fusion surgery, while 6 were followed up without hardware removal. The mean age at treatment conclusion was 12 years and 10 months, with a mean follow-up duration of 18.3 months. Etiology of scoliosis included two congenital cases, 5 idiopathic cases, and 1 case associated with Von Recklinghausen syndrome. The primary curve locations included 7 thoracic curves and 1 double-curve case. Evaluation metrics for correction at pre-surgery, the conclusion of growth, and the latest follow-up were as follows: Cobb angle 78°, 36.8° and 34.6°; coronal plane trunk balance (C7 plumb line) 22.6 mm, 19.8 mm and 16.3 mm; and SVA 21.6 mm, 13.9 mm and 19.8 mm; T1-S1 spinal height was 23.5 cm, 30.5 cm and 32 cm, respectively.
Conclusion: Continued follow-up after completing growth modulation treatment is essential. Patients with maintained correction and good balance may be monitored without hardware removal. In cases of worsening deformity, progressive deformity, or complications, hardware removal combined with final corrective fusion may be considered.