Overview
Used in the treatment of thoracic or thoracolumbar scoliosis, vertebral body tethering is at the pinnacle of state-of-the-art treatments for adolescent and adult scoliosis. Through a minimal incision on the convex side of the curve, titanium screws coated in hydroxyapatite are implanted into the affected vertebrae. A flexible cord attaches to the screws and applies pressure, causing bones on the convex side to grow more slowly while the concave side grows faster — progressively straightening the spine.
Benefits
- Typically requires only one surgery
- Spine retains flexibility and growth capacity without fusion
- Patients can return to sports and active hobbies
- Minimally invasive with shorter hospital stays and recovery
- Many patients are up and walking on the same day
- Noticeable posture improvement immediately post-surgery
Who is a Candidate?
- Older than 10 years but not yet at spinal maturity
- Spinal curvature ranging from 35–70 degrees
When it May Not Be Suitable
- Severe curvature with spinal immobility
- Previous fusion surgeries
Minimally Invasive vs Open Surgery
| Factor | Minimally Invasive | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | Small (often 8mm–2cm) | Large |
| Muscle damage | Minimal — muscles separated | More — muscles cut |
| Blood loss | Low | Higher |
| Post-op pain | Less | More |
| Hospital stay | Short (day-care to 1–2 days) | Longer |
| Scarring | Minimal | More visible |
| Return to activity | Faster | Slower |
| Infection risk | Lower | Higher |
Why choose Dr. M.D.S. Sasidharan?
Fellowship-trained spine surgeon (MS Ortho, FASSI) with 5,000+ spinal surgeries
International training: endoscopic spine surgery (Germany) & deformity (Seoul); AO Spine Asia Pacific fellowship
Specialist in endoscopic (keyhole), robotic & non-fusion (VBT) scoliosis surgery
Patient-first: the least invasive option that resolves your problem
Frequently Asked Questions
- For suitable growing patients, VBT preserves spinal flexibility and growth instead of fusing the spine. Suitability depends on age, skeletal maturity and curve size, which a specialist will assess.
Medically reviewed by Dr. M.D.S. Sasidharan, Consultant Spine Surgeon, Iswarya Hospital OMR, Chennai. Outcomes vary by patient — consult for personalised advice.