Innovative Limb and Spine Treatments at Shriners Children's Spokane

Shriners Children's Spokane is committed to providing specialty pediatric orthopedic care that supports the unique needs of our patients. To help children lead healthier and more active lives, we offer a range of innovative pediatric orthopedic procedures.

From limb lengthening and spine correction to innovative devices and surgical techniques, our experienced surgeons and medical teams rely on the latest technology to provide advanced treatments for various bone and joint conditions. It is what places us at the forefront of pediatric orthopedic care.

The Precice nail, the MAGEC System and the Ilizarov fixator are just a few of the remarkable procedures we offer.

Precice Nail

The Precice nail is an innovative device that lengthens bones in the arms or legs without external fixators. Shriners Children's Spokane uses this for patients with limb length differences, either from birth or due to an injury or other medical issues.

The Precice nail is an orthopedic implant that goes inside the patient's body. A skilled surgeon implants a metal rod inside the patient's bone and secures it with screws. Over time, the patient or caregivers can stretch the rod from outside the body using magnets guided by a remote control.

Each adjustment takes about seven minutes, and patients can often complete them from the comfort of their own home. This tool helps doctors treat a wide range of cases more accurately and easily, sometimes speeding up recovery times.

MAGEC System

Shriners Children's pioneered the use of the MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) Spinal Bracing and Distraction System for treating early-onset scoliosis. The MAGEC System is a gentler method for guiding spine growth. This method can delay the need for spinal fusion for children aged 5 to 10.

A surgeon inserts two magnetic, telescoping rods above and below the spine's curve. As the child grows, doctors will gradually expand the rods using a magnetic remote control. This method reduces the number of surgeries a patient needs, resulting in fewer cuts, less risk of infection and fewer times under anesthesia.

Most children stay in the hospital for three to five days after the procedure, and they usually return to daily activities soon after. Every three to four months, the child returns for a short visit where a specialist lengthens the rods using a magnet, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes and is usually painless.

Ilizarov Fixator

The Ilizarov fixator is a highly successful device used to lengthen or straighten bones and soft tissue, sometimes saving limbs that might otherwise need to be amputated. Surgeons use this on patients who suffered a growth plate fracture or other trauma, and for those with other congenital pediatric conditions.

The Ilizarov fixator is a ring-like brace applied to the outside of the limb, connected through the bone using small rods called pins. This technique corrects broken or disfigured bones by separating two bone halves into small increments, allowing the body to grow new bone to fill the gaps.

Caregivers assist with the lengthening process by turning the struts according to a specific schedule each day. This treatment is most often used on legs, but can also be done on arms.