Designing Orthopaedic Implants of the Future
One of the most exciting areas in the treatment of pediatric extremity sarcomas is the development of an expandable implant that uses magnets to treat sarcoma of the bone and soft tissue. This latest device allows lengthening of the bone using a non-invasive technique with a simple magnet held against the patient's leg. These implants can be expanded and grow with the patient as they get taller without multiple operations. Patients are able to put full weight on their leg immediately after surgery and maintain equality in limb length.
This treatment has only recently become available with only a few centers in the country performing this procedure.
Patient Advantages:
- The procedure can be done in one operation so patients don't have to make multiple trips to the operating room.
- The implant can be expanded as the patient grows — the technique to expand is non-invasive and can be done in the office using just a mild anesthetic rather than general anesthesia.
- Expanding the prosthesis can be done more frequently, allowing physicians to lengthen in much smaller increments, a safer and more comfortable process for the patient.
Why Emory?
The Emory Musculoskeletal Oncology and Limb Reconstruction Center is the only center in Georgia that offers this treatment. As the premier center for orthopaedic oncology in the state, Emory offers the latest technologies and a multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients. We combine such fields as medical oncology, radiation oncology and orthopaedic oncology to treat sarcomas and very unusual tumors.