Magnetic Growing Rods

If your child has early-onset scoliosis, you may be interested to learn about magnetic growing rods, an innovative solution that can correct the spinal curve while still allowing for healthy growth. At his offices in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, orthopedic surgeon Robert H. Cho, MD, offers magnetic growing rods to manage scoliosis in growing children while reducing their need for repeated surgeries. Book a consultation for you and your child by calling the nearest office or scheduling a visit online today. 

What are magnetic growing rods? 

Magnetic growing rods are specialized spinal implants that can treat early-onset scoliosis in your growing child. 

While traditional growing rods require multiple surgeries to lengthen the rods as your child grows, Dr. Cho can adjust magnetic growing rods externally with a magnetic device.

During surgery, he attaches the rods to your child’s spine above and below the curve, and they help straighten and support it while still allowing it to continue growing. As your child develops, Dr. Cho can lengthen the rods during routine office visits without additional surgical procedures.

This technology has transformed the way many children with scoliosis are treated, offering a more convenient and less invasive alternative to traditional growing rod systems.

What are the benefits of magnetic growing rods? 

Magnetic growing rods offer several advantages, including fewer surgeries. 

Traditional growing rods often require surgical lengthening every six months, exposing your child to repeated anesthesia, hospital stays, and recovery periods. Magnetic growing rods eliminate many of these procedures by allowing non-invasive adjustments.

Additional benefits may include:

• Less disruption to school and family life
• Shorter recovery times
• Better maintenance of spinal correction during growth
• Continued support for healthy lung and chest development

By minimizing surgical interventions, magnetic growing rods protect your child’s physical and emotional well-being while they’re undergoing scoliosis treatment.

What can my child expect from the magnetic growing rods process? 

Dr. Cho starts the treatment process with imaging studies and physical examinations to help determine whether magnetic growing rods are the right option for your child. If so, he can schedule them for surgery.

After a surgery with general anesthesia to implant the rods, your child will spend a short period recovering before gradually returning to normal daily activities.

As your child grows, they’ll see Dr. Cho for regular follow-up appointments to lengthen the rods with an external magnetic controller. The adjustment typically takes only a few minutes.

Magnetic growing rods provide an effective way to control scoliosis progression while supporting ongoing growth. For many children, this advanced treatment offers a safer and more convenient path toward a healthier spine and improved quality of life.

Call the nearest office of Robert H. Cho, MD, or request a consultation to discuss magnetic growing rods today.