Scottish Rite for Children continues its commitment to advancing care for children with complex spinal conditions by expanding the range of treatment options available to patients with early-onset scoliosis. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Amy L. McIntosh, M.D., recently performed the first U.S. implantation of the Spring Distraction System™ (SDS) at Scottish Rite for Children. SDS is a spinal implant that was developed in the Netherlands and received FDA clearance earlier this year to treat early onset scoliosis.
Early-onset scoliosis is diagnosed in children younger than 10, during a critical period when the spine and lungs are still developing. Traditional treatment options can require ongoing adjustments throughout childhood. The SDS uses a spring-based mechanism that continuously corrects as a child grows, supporting more natural development of the spine and chest.
“These patients often face years of treatment, multiple procedures and significant disruptions to childhood. A system that provides continuous growth guidance while potentially reducing the burden of repeated interventions represents an important step forward in pediatric spine care,” says McIntosh.
The first patient to receive the implant was a 6-year-old boy with neuromuscular scoliosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. His care team selected the SDS because it provides continuous gentle spinal correction, which may reduce the burden of care on him and his family while helping preserve his sitting balance, comfort and respiratory function, all of which are key considerations in children with SMA.
“We are proud to offer another option for children with certain types of scoliosis,” says Scottish Rite for Children Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S. “This kind of innovation reflects our commitment to moving pediatric orthopedic care forward, helping improve outcomes while making treatment a little easier for children and their families along the way.”
As new treatment options emerge, Scottish Rite for Children remains dedicated to evaluating and advancing innovations that not only improve clinical outcomes but also make care more manageable for the children and families who depend on it.
