The Institute for Spine & Scoliosis continues our mission to research the latest techniques and improvements in spinal surgery, with a new less-invasive treatment option for scoliosis, especially for child and adolescent developing spines. Contact our office to learn if your child’s scoliosis (for curvatures up to 35 degrees) could benefit from this expertise. Vertebral Body Stapling VBS, A Less Invasive Treatment for Scoliosis.
June 2016 – At the present time, the vertebral body memory shape staples are not available. There is currently no manufacturer making them.
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Who Should Consider Vertebral Body Stapling (VBS)?
Ideal candidates for VBS: have a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis (adolescent or juvenile), or idiopathic “like” (i.e., post-syrinx decompression); are seven years of age or older, with remaining spine growth; have a thoracic curve of up to 35 degrees; have a thoracolumbar curve of up to 45 degrees. Curve patterns that may be treated include single thoracic, single lumbar and double curves. For thoracic, thoracolumbar or lumbar curve(s) of 30 to 60 degrees for patients ten and older, we recommend Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC).
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How Does the Vertebral Body Stapling (VBS) Treatment Work?
VBS uses “growth modulation” – partially restraining one side of the spine to allow growth on the other side – to reverse the abnormal scoliosis growth pattern in the anterior spine in a less invasive surgery. Staples made from a nickel-titanium alloy place a constant force once placed in the bone and returned to body temperature. The affected curve(s) show an immediate improvement right after surgery, and continued improvement over time as the spine grows.
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What are the Advantages of Vertebral Body Stapling (VBS)?
Typically surgery that is less invasive will carry less risk for the patient for several reasons. In the case of VBS, the spine can continue to grow, therefore most often allowing for correction of the curve. The spine can continue to move and bend, and along with removing the need for standard daytime bracing, the patient may experience more comfort and freedom of movement. Being a one-time surgery for the most part, no bridges are burned; future treatments – if even necessary – are still viable options. These and other factors therefore result in reduced length of hospital stay, making surgery less inconvenient for both patient and family.
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