NBC News Video on Spit Test & Stapling

[catinhat95]

Saw a video on the news yesterday re the genetic spit test for scoli progression and the spinal stapling procedure.

An article about it is located here:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/health/New-Jersey-Girl-Saved-by-New-Scoliosis-Spit-Test-70569987.html

I can't find the video. Can anyone give me info on stapling? I have heard about vertebral fusion of course but not stapling. Has anyone had the spit test and what did it cost? I'm sure health insurance won't pay for it.

[catinhat95]

Actually I just found the video:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/station/as-seen-on/The_Scoliosis_Spit_Test_New_York.html

[mamandcrm]

catinhat95,

You can find info on stapling at www.vertebralstapling.com. I'm pretty sure some whose kids have had the procedure will respond to your post as well. Suitability for the procedure depends on age and curve (degree and location). In general, kids need to have growth remaining and no more than a 35 degree curve (though there is some wiggle room there depending on the individual case). There is another related procedure for higher curves.

[mariaf]

Here's another similar story:

http://ny1.com/7-brooklyn-news-content/ny1_living/108654/dna-test-may-provide-straight-answer-to-scoliosis-treatment

[debbei]

I definitely want that test for my 10 year old daughter. She has 2 slight curves now, which are not yet moving, but with my history....I just want to know. When I asked her ortho spine specialist aobut it over a year ago, he practically YELLED at me saying that he thought it was a bunch of hogwash. I'll call his office again to see if they are now giving the test; if not, I'll either bring her to my surgeon (if they give the test) or Dr. Lonner. Just looked him up and he's in our network. I just WANT TO KNOW.

Thanks, catinhat, for bringing this to my attention again.

[mariaf]

I definitely want that test for my 10 year old daughter. She has 2 slight curves now, which are not yet moving, but with my history....I just want to know. When I asked her ortho spine specialist aobut it over a year ago, he practically YELLED at me saying that he thought it was a bunch of hogwash. I'll call his office again to see if they are now giving the test; if not, I'll either bring her to my surgeon (if they give the test) or Dr. Lonner. Just looked him up and he's in our network. I just WANT TO KNOW.

Thanks, catinhat, for bringing this to my attention again.

HI Debbei,

Why WOULDN'T you want to know? I can't understand why your daughter's ortho got so defensive - it can't HURT to take the test, can it? Some orthos are SO narrow-minded it makes me crazy. It's almost as if it were up to them, nothing would change in the treatment of scoliosis - ever. I guess it's a sore spot because my son's former ortho was that way - not open to anything except the old methods of observation - full-time TLSO bracing - or fusion.

I, for one, am thankful for those like Dr. Lonner and others who think outside the box.