Growing Rods
For children diagnosed with scoliosis at an early age, families often face difficult questions about how to manage a curve while their child is still growing. Traditional treatments like bracing may slow progression, but in many cases, surgery is needed to protect lung development, posture, and overall growth. Growing rod surgery offers a solution that corrects spinal curvature while allowing the spine and chest to continue developing.
At The Scoliosis & Spine Deformity Institute, we provide growth-friendly surgical options designed to help children move forward with healthier, more balanced spines. Families from across Texas and around the world travel to our institute for specialized pediatric scoliosis care that blends advanced technology with compassionate support.
Our practice offers surgical care at three Texas locations: The Woodlands (Houston), Plano (Dallas), and Corpus Christi, with The Woodlands serving as our primary center. Houston’s international reputation for exceptional healthcare also makes it a trusted destination for families traveling from abroad to seek advanced treatment.
To schedule your consultation, call (833) SPINE 11 or email [email protected] today.
What are Growing Rods?
Growing rods are surgical implants designed for children with scoliosis who are still in their growth years. Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently joins the vertebrae, growing rods guide the spine into better alignment while still allowing for growth. This makes them an ideal solution for younger patients who cannot yet undergo fusion surgery.
Growing rods are attached to the spine with anchors above and below the curve. As the child grows, the rods can be lengthened periodically, allowing the spine and chest to expand naturally while maintaining correction of the curve.
MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) Growing Rods
In addition to traditional growing rods, Dr. Siddiqui offers MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) Growing Rods. This innovative system uses a magnetic mechanism that allows the rods to be lengthened externally with a special remote control in the clinic, without the need for repeated surgeries.
MAGEC rods have transformed the way early-onset scoliosis is managed by reducing the number of procedures required while still ensuring the spine continues to grow in balance. This technology offers children and their families less disruption, fewer hospital stays, and greater comfort during the treatment journey.
Who Needs Growing Rod Surgery?
Growing rods are typically recommended for children who:
- Have progressive scoliosis with curves greater than 40 degrees
- Are too young or not ready for spinal fusion surgery
- Need protection of chest growth to support lung development
- Require surgical management to prevent worsening deformity
Every child is unique, and Dr. Siddiqui evaluates each case carefully to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Benefits of Growing Rod Surgery
The goal of growing rod surgery is not only to correct spinal curvature but also to give children the opportunity to grow and thrive. Benefits may include:
- Improved spinal alignment and posture
- Continued growth of the spine and chest
- Protection of lung and heart function
- Fewer limitations in activity compared to untreated scoliosis
- Increased confidence for children and peace of mind for families
With the addition of MAGEC technology, many families also benefit from fewer surgeries, which means less time in the hospital and more time focused on growth and everyday life.
Life After Growing Rod Surgery
Recovery after growing rod surgery varies by each child’s health and curve severity. Families can expect an initial hospital stay followed by a gradual return to activity, with guidance from our care team. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor progress, and for patients with MAGEC rods, lengthening can often be done quickly and comfortably in the clinic.
Over time, as children approach skeletal maturity, the growing rods may be removed or converted into a spinal fusion for permanent stability. Throughout the process, our team is here to provide ongoing support, education, and reassurance.
Why Parents Trust Dr. Siddiqui
Parents want more than just technical skill. They want to know their child is in the hands of a surgeon who understands the challenges and emotions that come with treating scoliosis at a young age. Dr. Siddiqui has dedicated his career to helping children and families facing complex spinal deformities. With fellowship training in spine deformity surgery and more than two decades of experience, he is recognized both nationally and internationally for his expertise in scoliosis and pediatric spine care.
What sets Dr. Siddiqui apart is his ability to combine advanced surgical planning and modern technology with a compassionate, family-centered approach. Every procedure is designed with safety, growth, and long-term health in mind so parents can feel confident they’ve made the right choice for their child’s future.
Coverage and Financial Guidance
The Scoliosis & Spine Deformity Institute does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or HMO insurance plans. For pediatric cases, we work with qualifying commercial insurance or self-pay options. Our team helps families navigate coverage and financial arrangements so they can focus on their child’s care with confidence.
Take the Next Step
If your child has scoliosis and is still growing, growing rod surgery may be the right solution to guide spinal development while maintaining correction.
Call (833) SPINE 11 or email [email protected] to request your consultation at one of our three Texas locations.
The Scoliosis & Spine Deformity Institute proudly serves families throughout Texas, United States, and internationally. Many parents travel from around the world to Houston, a city known for world-class healthcare, to give their children access to advanced scoliosis treatments like MAGEC growing rods.
