I learned from another parent (confirmed to me by Dr. Betz) that kids who might not have been VBT candidates before might now be able to opt for tethering rather than fusion. Some larger curves, particularly more rigid curves, can now - in some cases - be tethered by including a discectomy along with the tethering. From my non-scientific view point this involves removing a portion of the cushion (40-50%) between some of the vertebrae (in this child's case, 3 vertebrae) in order to make it more flexible and respond to the tether. Apparently, there have been a few such surgeries performed already with very promising initial results.
I also learned recently that tethering curves of more skeletally mature patients is not too far away. There is already one doctor (Braun? not sure where he is located) who has started to do this.
Nice to see these doctors are never satisfied and want to keep making more and more improvements to scoliosis care!
I also learned recently that tethering curves of more skeletally mature patients is not too far away. There is already one doctor (Braun? not sure where he is located) who has started to do this.
Nice to see these doctors are never satisfied and want to keep making more and more improvements to scoliosis care!
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