Paper #38: Cost analysis of a growth guidance system compared with magnetically controlled and traditional growing rods for early-onset scoliosis in the US: an integrated health care delivery system perspective.

Traditional growing rods (TGR), magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) and growth guidance systems (GGS) have demonstrated comparable radiographic outcomes in the treatment of early- onset scoliosis (EOS). The purpose of this study was to compare direct medical costs of GGS compared to TGR and MCGR using an economic model. Over a 6-year episode of care GGS had lower cumulative costs than MCGR and TGR, saving an estimated $25,226 vs TGR (16% decrease) and $29,916 vs MCGR (18% decrease).