extension rod surgery

[ecnw]

Hi! I'm new to this site and thought I'd give it a try.
My daughter (age 9) is going in for surgury in June. She will be having an
extension rod surgery. If anyone has had children who have had this done,
I'd like to hear your experiences. I had a fusion when I was 11 and the
outcome was excellent. Luckily, my 7 yr. old son, who's wearing a brace for his, has actually reversed and his curve is better. With two positive outcomes
I hoping for a third. Thanks, Emily

[Carmell]

Hi Emily and Welcome!

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by extension rod surgery. I'm assuming it is either a growing rod or VEPTR device. Either way, they are rods placed to support the spine without being fused into place. The rods are lengthened as the child grows. Is this similar to what you are referring to?

My son, Braydon (age 9) has two VEPTR devices. He had his placement surgery at age 6. He has had expansion surgeries every 6 months since then, with the latest surgery last Monday (Mar. 21). I'd be happy to share our experiences with you. Braydon has had a successful outcome, improving his lung function (from 46% to 75%) and stabilizing his spine.

I wish you the best. I'd love to hear from you and hear about your scoliosis experiences. Two of my three children have scoliosis. You can email me at boulderfam@hotmail.com if you'd like.

[ecnw]

My doctor has just used the term "extension". But you are referring to what I ment. Thanks, Emily