title: Magnetic controlled growth rods versus conventional growing rod systems in the treatment of early onset scoliosis: a cost comparison.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the cost differences between a conventional growth rod system (CGRS) and magnetic controlled growth rods (MCGR) in treating early onset scoliosis (EOS) over a projected 5 year period. We hypothesise that the high initial outlay for MCGR would be recouped from fewer admissions and surgical procedures over the lifetime of the implant.
  
  
  METHODS
  The costs of all aspects of treatment for 14 patients undergoing conversion from CGRS to MGRS were collected over a 3 year period. The costs of all aspects of each treatment including clinic visits, hospital stay, theatre and complications were calculated and projected over the lifetime of each device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The initial outlay for insertion for MCGR was £12,913 more than the CGRS. There were significant cost savings for each lengthening which projected over the 5 year lifetime amounted to a cost saving of over £8,000 per patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Magnetic controlled growth rods reduce the need for multiple invasive procedures in the management of EOS. The implant has a significant projected cost saving in comparison to CGRS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Spine Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK, danrolton@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rolton
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nnadi
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics*; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000191:economics*; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000191:economics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*