Failed Telescopic Rods in the Management of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomechanical analysis of Explanted, Failed Telescopic Rods in Skeletally Immature Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Collaborative Translational Study
IRAS ID
207623
Contact name
Nicolas Nicolaou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Childrens NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Telescopic rods are inserted in to the long bones of growing children with brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) for treatment of fractures and deformity. The rods consist of a ‘male’ and ‘female’ component in a construct that grows with the child, similar to the lengthening of a radio aerial. The aims of the device are to reduce the re-operation rates seen with fixed length rods that do not lengthen with growth. Despite the theory of reducing re-operation rates, these devices continue to have a high failure rate. The devices used have evolved little over the past few decades and re-operation can be necessary in up to 50% of cases. This leads to repeated surgery for this young cohort of patients that could be avoided with better understanding of the reasons for mechanical failure. There is a gap in current knowledge from a lack of appropriate investigation. By looking at the x-ray features of failed cases, with appropriate testing of rods removed following failure, this study aims to form a strong foundation in translating basic science findings to the design of a new Rod that will better serve our patients.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1713
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion