Expert’s comment concerning Grand Rounds case entitled “Slow correction of severe spastic hyperlordosis in an adult by means of magnetically expandable rods” by C. Birkenmaier et al. [Eur Spine J (2017): doi:10.1007/s00586-017-5366-2]

Excerpt

We would like to commend the authors of this paper on their very well documented report of a new application of magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) in an adult patient with significant lordosis [1]. In this case report the authors described a 28-year-old female with cerebral palsy and severe and progressive lumbar hyperlordosis (160°). Aforementioned spinal deformity caused patient abdominal wall pain and increasing inability to sit in her custom wheelchair. Interestingly, the authors decided to tackle the problem by means of MCGR after an initial radical release and partial correction for her severe rigid curve. This was followed by a final in situ posterior fusion once the desired final correction at 66° of lumbar lordosis was achieved. At 3 years post final fusion, the patient showed a stable clinical and radiological result as well as a solid posterior fusion seen on CT scan. …