Our new technique, called Vertebral Body Tethering, consists of performing surgery on the side of the body. An incision is made, not on the back, as is usually done, but on the side. The spine is reached through the thorax or the back of the abdomen. Through this procedure, anchors are placed vertebra by vertebra, covering the entire curvature of the scoliosis, and then a special elastic rope is placed that passes between all the anchors and is tightened, so that it corrects the curvature,” Lastra asserts.
INFORMACIÓN AÑADIDA POR PARTE DE AGENCIA:
Vertebral Body Tethering is a relatively new surgical procedure used primarily to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This condition is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that usually develops during adolescence and can worsen over time if not treated properly.
The main goal of VBT is to correct the curvature of the spine while it is still growing, using a less invasive technique compared to traditional spinal fusion. Instead of fusing the affected vertebrae together, as is done in standard spinal fusion surgery, VBT uses special screws and a cord (or tether) to guide the growth of the spine into more correct alignment.
The procedure involves inserting screws into the affected vertebrae along the curvature of the spine. These screws are connected to each other by a flexible cord or band that acts as a “tether” (i.e., a traction device). As the child or adolescent continues to grow, the cord exerts gradual force on the vertebrae, thereby guiding the growth of the spine into a more aligned position.
As the child or adolescent continues to grow, the cord exerts gradual force on the vertebrae, thereby guiding the growth of the spine into a more aligned position. However, it is important to note that VBT may not be suitable for all cases of scoliosis and the decision to use this procedure should be made in consultation with a pediatric spine specialist who can properly evaluate each individual case.
In summary, Vertebral Body Tethering is an innovative surgical technique designed to correct adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by guiding the growth of the spine through the use of screws and a cord to avoid traditional spinal fusion.
