Dynamic Remodeling System for the Treatment of Spinal Scoliosis

A new technology platform has been designed for minimally invasive spinal scoliosis deformity prevention and management.

The MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) device is a breakthrough medical device technology capable of noninvasively adjusting spinal implants within the human body via remote control. First, a single minimally invasive surgical procedure is completed to implant an expandable telescoping rod subcutaneously on a posterior section of the spine of the subject, with an opposing end of the expandable telescoping rod at a second location on the spine. Subsequently, during a series of simple outpatient visits, the physician can dynamically adjust the MAGEC from outside the body via a proprietary control unit that applies a moving magnetic field to control the expansion of the expandable telescoping rod over an extended period, until a desired spinal condition is obtained.

The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively for a period of 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed, each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine, or a different portion of the scoliotic curve. The system is designed to provide for spinal motion preservation, no long term permanent implant, and minimal trauma and scarring. The MAGEC device is a product of Ellipse Technologies (Irvine, CA, USA), and it has received approval from the European Community (CE marking).

"Ellipse hopes to revolutionize the treatment of scoliosis and offer corrective therapy to a broader population in need, consisting of both young and older scoliosis patients,” said Michael Henson, chairman of Ellipse Technologies. "We plan a worldwide study in the top clinical centers to progress simultaneously with a limited market launch in Europe.”

Adolescent (also called idiopathic) scoliosis is believed to be the direct result of a tight ligamentum flavum (a strong discontinuous ligament full of elastic fibers that runs along the posterior aspect of the spinal canal) during rapid growth. Mechanical stretching of a tight ligamentum flavum could assist in the correction of scoliosis.