How Can Vertebral Body Tethering Treat Scoliosis?
Out of the 335 million+ people that inhabit the United States of America, roughly 2-3% are affected by scoliosis. Scoliosis causes the spine to curve to one side. The growth of abnormal curvature is common during childhood or early adolescence.
Patients undergoing treatment for scoliosis take help from braces to keep the curvature from worsening further. Do note that a brace alone does little to correct the postural abnormalities in the spine.
Vertebral body tethering (or VBT) is a recent advancement in medical surgery. According to Oklahoma Pain Physicians, despite being fairly less invasive, VBT is known to successfully reverse the effects of scoliosis.
What is the Vertebral Body Tethering Procedure (VBT)?
Vertebral body tethering relies on a flexible but strong piece of cord to pull the spine straight against the curve.
VBT is an FDA-approved procedure that makes use of the child's steady growth to realign the spine. Oklahoma pain physicians often make note of the severity of the condition along with bone maturity before they prescribe VBT.
How Does VBT Work? - In 4 Steps
STEP 1 - Evaluate the Child’s Condition
Evaluation involves a pediatric spine surgeon conducting a physical examination. They will also look at the child's medical history and perform imaging tests. Imaging tests help the surgeon recognize which region of the spine reveals injury. It also let them measure the degree of curvature.
Most Oklahoma pain physicians will also suggest X-rays to figure out the bone placement before proceeding with surgery. X-rays are also a valuable tool in determining if the child has enough growth left for a successful VBT procedure.
STEP 2 - Surgical Procedure
The surgeon makes small incisions on the sides of the chest to access the spine. Aided by a fiber optic video camera, they place titanium screws alongside the edge of the curved spine. Then they thread a sturdy, flexible length of cord through the screws.
Following this, one can tighten or loosen the cord accommodating the growth of the spine. As the spine grows, the cord pulls it tauter, ultimately treating the condition aka scoliosis.
STEP 3 - Post-Op Care
Post-surgery care includes IV and oral pain medication. Physical therapy is going to do immense good as well. As does, pulmonary monitoring. An Oklahoma pain physician will demonstrate exercises that your child can do to boost the faster recovery of your lungs.
Frequent X-rays are essential during this time to ensure that the implants are kept safe and stable. The cuts too will witness tending and dressing until they have healed.
STEP 4 - Follow-Up Care
Three weeks post-surgery, the doctor will ask for a follow-up appointment. In this appointment, the doctor will ensure that the incisions are healing properly.
Another three weeks later, the pediatric spine surgeon will conduct an evaluation to gauge how well the child is recovering.
For pediatric scoliosis treatment, look no further than Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers. Contact us to learn more about our effective, non-invasive spine health options.
**Disclaimer: These tips are not advised or suggested by doctors. The products that are promoted here are not FDA CERTIFIED to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
