VEPTR Treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis in Children Without Rib Abnormalities: Long-term Results of a Prospective, Multicenter Study

This study examines whether, at 5-year follow-up, VEPTR continues to control scoliosis and allow spinal growth. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, observational cohort design was used. Patients underwent traditional VEPTR implantation ≥5 years before analysis. Preimplantation and last available images were compared, regardless of whether VEPTR remained in vivo. Additional analysis was performed if VEPTR was in vivo ≥5 years. Results: This study included 59 patients (mean age at VEPTR implantation, 6.1±2.4 y; mean follow-up, 6.9±1.4 y). Currently, 24 patients still have VEPTR, whereas 24 have converted (13 fusions, 6 MCGR, 3 growing rods, 1 hybrid, and 1 Shilla). Three have had VEPTR explanted, 6 are unknown, and 2 have deceased. On last available imaging (n=59; mean follow-up, 4.8±1.9 y), scoliosis improved from 71.8±18.0 degrees preoperatively to 60.9±20.3 degrees (P
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Early Onset Scoliosis Source Type: research