Rib-Based Anchors for Growing Rods in the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis

The treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has evolved substantially over the years. Traditional growing-rod constructs rely on spine-based fixation for proximal and distal anchor sites. Hybrid growing-rod constructs pair rib-based proximal anchors with spinal or pelvic anchors distally. Both traditional and hybrid growing-rod constructs can control spinal deformity in young patients with early-onset scoliosis while preserving spinal and thoracic growth. Proximal rib fixation has many theoretical and practical advantages over spine-based proximal anchors. This article discusses the indications, technique, and outcomes of proximal rib fixation in hybrid growing-rod constructs for early-onset scoliosis.