Growing rod erosion through the lamina causing spinal cord compression in an 8-year-old girl with early-onset scoliosis

Background ContextEarly-onset scoliosis often occurs by the age of 5 years and is attributed to many structural abnormalities. Syndromic early-onset scoliosis is considered one of the most aggressive types of early-onset scoliosis. Treatment starts with serial casting and bracing, but eventually most of these patients undergo growth-sparing procedures, such as a single growing rod, dual growing rods, or a vertical expandable titanium prosthetic rib.PurposeThis case report aimed to describe an unusual complication of erosion of a growing rod through the lamina that caused spinal cord compression in an 8-year-old girl with early-onset scoliosis.Study DesignThis is a case report.MethodsA retrospective chart review was used to describe the clinical course and radiographic findings of this case after rod erosion into the spinal canal.ResultsThe patient underwent successful revision surgery removing the rod without neurologic complications.ConclusionsPatients with syndromic early-onset scoliosis are more prone to progressive curves and severe rotational deformity. We believe that the severe kyphotic deformity in addition to the dysplastic nature of the deformity in this population may predispose them to this unusual complication.