Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)

What it is and why we do it

Vertebral body tethering is a growth-friendly, fusion-less option for scoliosis in a child who still has meaningful growing to do. Instead of fusing the spine, I place anchors along the curve and connect them with a strong flexible cord, then tension it to partially straighten the spine. As your child keeps growing, the tether gently guides the spine straighter — a process called growth modulation — while preserving motion.

What happens during surgery

The procedure is usually done from the side, often with minimally invasive techniques. I place screws on the vertebral bodies along the curve and link them with the cord, then apply tension to begin the correction. The remaining natural growth does much of the rest over the following months and years.

Recovery

Because the approach involves the chest, a small drainage tube is often used briefly, and the hospital stay is typically a few days. Most children return to school in a few weeks and to activities over the following weeks to months, with the spine keeping much of its flexibility.

Activity and restrictions

There are activity limits early on while everything settles, then a graded return. We follow the curve closely afterward, because the correction continues as your child grows, and occasionally the tension needs adjusting.

The science — for the curious

The appeal of tethering is that it preserves growth and motion rather than fusing the spine, which is why it is attractive for the right young patient. It is newer than fusion and its results are less predictable, and it depends heavily on careful timing — there has to be enough remaining growth for it to work — so candidate selection is everything. I will be honest with you about whether your child is a good fit, and about fusion as the proven alternative if not.

Learn more

Scoliosis Research Society — Idiopathic Scoliosis: srs.org

Scoliosis Research Society — Patient Brochures: srs.org/patients

This handout is general education about this procedure and does not replace the specific plan, risks, and consent discussion we have together for your child. Your own situation may differ — if anything here does not match what we talked about, what we talked about wins, so please ask me.