NuVasive, Inc. has announced the UK launch of MAGEC X, the newest product within the MAGEC pediatric portfolio that addresses early-onset scoliosis.
MAGEC X has 5.0mm diameter patient rods which, according to NuVasive, deliver 68% better fatigue-strength as compared to traditional 4.5mm rods. MAGEC X also uses advanced rod mechanisms, most notably a robust actuator seal which further contains and reduces titanium wear debris. The rod also has an anti-jam feature which can simplify intraoperative and postoperative rod lengthening.
Finally, NuVasive’s engineers gave MAGEC X some key aesthetic improvements like laser-marked sagittal bending lines which can enhance surgeon workflow efficiency and ease of use.
“The 5.0mm growing rod in the MAGEC X system pairs with the NuVasive Reline Small Stature fixation system, the first pediatric deformity fixation system that combines rod strength with low-profile implants. Together, the two systems help minimize revision surgeries by adding enhanced construct strength with an optimized low-profile ….”
“I am extremely impressed with the NuVasive MAGEC X 5.0mm solution and its ability to provide superior rod strength without having to sacrifice the ideal fixation size thus meeting the clinical needs of pediatric patients,” said Dr. Stewart Tucker, MBBS, FRCS, orthopedic surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, England. “Additionally, MAGEC X substantially improves intra-op workflow with enhanced ease of use. It provides surgeons with tremendous flexibility, enabling upsizing of rods while maintaining small screw heads, giving optimal profile and soft tissue cover.”
Asked how the actuator seal helps contain and reduce the release of titanium wear debris, Dr. Tucker told OTW, “The MAGEC X rod features an actuator seal that is twice as robust as prior generations. The new design increases seal compression which allows the device to better contain metal wear debris.”
“The anti-jam feature helps increase efficiency by preventing the rod from jamming during intraoperative testing and postoperative distraction.”


Last commercially available spinal implant (a stabilizing hardware) that really impacted patient’s life, in a “quantified” manner is MAGEC rods; yet it is so expensive (mostly the upfront cost) that most patients in developing (and under developed) countries, with a different healthcare setup, aren’t able to afford it.
I am all for magec rod and so was my research, except the expense:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30095792
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28614278
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28429144
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28038689
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27927401
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27927346
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25862502
I am curious to what is Nuvasive’s plan in regards to making it universally available to those poor children and underprivileged communities? And by when do they foresee it happening?
Isn’t time traditional growth rods with subsequent invasive surgeries be banned or made obsolete!