You may be a candidate for The Tether – Vertebral Body Tethering if:
- Surgical treatment is needed to treat your progressive idiopathic scoliosis.
- You are skeletally immature and have growth remaining.
- You have a major Cobb angle of 30-65 degrees.
- You have failed bracing or are intolerant to brace wear.
- Your vertebrae can accommodate screw fixation. This will be determined by an x-ray or other radiographic imaging.
You may not be a candidate for The Tether – Vertebral Body Tethering if:
- You have reached skeletal maturity and have no growth remaining.
- You have any type of infection.
- If the skin on your back, sides of your ribs, or stomach are irritated, cut, or damaged.
- You have had a previous surgery on your spine to correct your scoliosis.
- Your bone is too soft. Your doctor will measure with by a “T-score” of -1.5 or less.
- You have any other medical or surgical condition that prevents you from having spinal surgery. Examples may include:
- Unwillingness or inability to cooperate with post-surgery instructions.
- Allergies to the implant materials
- Problems with blood flow (too much or too little).
Results will vary due to health, weight, activity and other variables. Not all patients are candidates for this product and/ or procedure. Only a medical professional can determine the treatment appropriate for your specific condition. Talk to your surgeon about whether Vertebral Body Tethering is right for you and the risks of the procedure, including the risks of infection, cord breakage, and overcorrection, any of which can require additional surgery.
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