A new study published in Clinical Spine Surgery examines the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib treatment for early-onset spinal deformity.
The researchers examined five children’s X-rays who were treated with VEPTR. The researchers found:
1. All of the patients reported marked frontal balance decompensation and a high degree of main curve rigidity. There was also a high degree of rigidity in the compensatory curves post-treatment with VEPTR.
2. There was rib cradle and/or laminar hook migration due to the spontaneous autofusion of the spinal segments. There was also a change in the curve patterns which made the final fusion longer in all patients than the primary deformity would have intended.
3. The study authors recommend surgeons critically observe the curve progression, paying particular attention to the high thoracic hyperkyphosis or rotation development.
4. The autofusion of ribs and vertebral bodies could make the final spondylodesis more challenging and risky.
5. The challenges associated with the final correction could mean lower patient and end result satisfaction.