Question 1

What are the main aims of this study on autofusion in growing rod constructs?

Accepted Answer

The study quantifies the frequency and severity of autofusion, identifies risk factors, and assesses how autofusion influences final curve correction and spinal lengthening.

Question 2

How was autofusion assessed and graded in the study?

Accepted Answer

Autofusion was evaluated and assigned a grade from I to V, where grades I–II represent low-grade AF and grades III–V represent high-grade AF.

Question 3

Which factors increased or reduced the risk of autofusion?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors included growing rod age under 8, any interval open procedures, and residual curve over 30° after index growing rods. Protective factors included preoperative spinal length over 30.0 cm and the use of index magnetically controlled growing rods.