Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
04:19
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Vertebral Body Tethering Surgery: Study Showing No Decrease in Coronal Curve Magnitude After First Postoperative
Tiffany N Phan1, Tishya A L Wren1, Michael J Heffernan1
1Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Vertebral body tethering (VBT) shows promise for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), but growth modulation is inconsistent. While many curves remained stable, few decreased, highlighting the need for further research to identify optimal patient candidates for VBT.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
Background:
- Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is explored as an alternative to spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
- Current evidence suggests VBT may not consistently modulate spine growth to significantly impact coronal curve magnitude over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of VBT in correcting and maintaining coronal curve magnitude in AIS patients.
- To assess the rate of curve progression and overcorrection following VBT.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter registry review of 110 AIS patients who underwent VBT between 2013 and 2020 with at least 2 years of follow-up.
- Coronal curve magnitude was measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up.
- Change in curve magnitude was analyzed, with <5° considered measurement variability.
Main Results:
- Preoperative mean curve magnitude of 51.0° corrected to 27.3° postoperatively.
- At a mean follow-up of 3.7 years, the mean curve magnitude was 30.9°.
- 49.1% of curves remained stable, but 42.7% increased by >5°, and 8.2% showed significant progression; 4.5% experienced overcorrection.
Conclusions:
- VBT demonstrates potential for AIS treatment, with nearly half of the curves remaining stable.
- However, significant curve progression or overcorrection occurred in a notable percentage of patients.
- Further research is required to identify patient-specific factors that predict successful VBT outcomes and prevent progression or overcorrection.
