As a newborn, Isaac was diagnosed with bone cancer that affected his spinal growth, and eventually created a C-shape in his spine. Following unsuccessful external bracing, Isaac received thirteen surgeries in the first eight years of his life to help control the spinal deformity as he grew. In 2015, Isaac was sent to Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego and his spinal hardware was converted to the MAGEC® system.
The MAGEC system is changing the lives of patients and families battling early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The innovative magnetic technology uses adjustable growing rods and an External Remote Controller to help avoid the need for planned lengthening surgeries, and simplifies the care and journey of an EOS patient.
We recently spoke with Paula Navarrete, a “MAGEC mom,” to talk about her son’s treatment experience with MAGEC, and how the family has benefited from the groundbreaking technology
What was your experience like during Isaac’s first lengthening?
I was expecting him to be uncomfortable or even cry, but I was surprised, it wasn’t what I was expecting. He went straight to school afterward. I thought it would be painful or he would be uncomfortable, but he wasn’t at all.
Could you tell a difference in Isaac’s emotions going in for a MAGEC lengthening versus a traditional lengthening surgery?
Every six months going in for surgery was really hard. The first and second surgery he didn’t know what was going on, then after the third surgery he knew where he was going and he would cry. It was really painful for everybody. Now after the first MAGEC surgery, all we have is just an appointment at the doctor’s office for lengthening, there is no crying, no bad feelings. It is so, so, so, much easier.
Where is Isaac in his journey now, what does the future look like for him?
Now he is pretty much a healthy boy. He runs, he is a normal kid to us, loves playing soccer. Before MAGEC it was really hard because he would run and he would fall, kind of limping. Now he enjoys soccer to the fullest and wants to be a soccer player.
Do you have any final advice for other MAGEC Moms reading this?
Before all this started if I would have had someone give me advice it would have helped a lot knowing that someone else went through it and experienced it. After that first surgery everything is just a life change. It is easy, not painful. Isaac is not as shy as he was before with the situation. MAGEC really, really helped improve everything in Isaac’s life.
To watch “What MAGEC Looks Like”, view Isaac’s video below.
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Important Safety Information: http://bit.ly/2c0fBzs. Results may vary. The [MAGEC System] is for prescription use only by the order of a physician and is not appropriate for many patients, including but not limited to, patients who: (i) have infections or pathologic conditions of bone which would impair the ability to securely fix the device (e.g. osteoporosis or osteopenia), (ii) have metal allergies and sensitivities to the implant materials (e.g., titanium), (iii) have pacemakers or other active, electronic devices, (iv)are unwilling or incapable of following postoperative care instructions, (v) are younger than two years old, (vi) weigh less than 25 lbs. (11.4 kg), or (vii) have stainless steel wires or other implants containing incompatible materials]. Potential risks following surgery utilizing the [MAGEC System] include: [infection, pain, and loss of distraction due to the loosening, fracturing, corroding or migrating of the metallic implants]. This is not intended to be a complete list of the possible complications. Please contact your physician to discuss all potential risks. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, please contact media@