Vertebral Body Tethering in New Jersey & New York
For adolescents and adults living with scoliosis, vertebral body tethering offers a proven, motion-sparing alternative to spinal fusion that corrects spinal curvature while preserving the flexibility and range of motion you need to stay active.
What is Vertebral Body Tethering?
Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is an innovative, minimally invasive surgical treatment for adolescent and adult scoliosis that corrects spinal curvature without the need for spinal fusion. This innovative technique was developed over a decade ago and has proven effective for many patients who were dealing with the debilitating consequences of scoliosis. Unlike traditional fusion surgery, which permanently eliminates motion between vertebrae, VBT preserves your spine’s natural flexibility while gradually guiding the spine back toward proper alignment.
During VBT surgery, a qualified spine surgeon makes a small incision to access the scoliotic curve from the convex, or outward-bending side of the spine. With clear access to the affected vertebrae, titanium screws coated in hydroxyapatite, the same substance from which bones are made, are implanted into the side of each vertebra. This substance aids the vertebrae in growing in and around these screws.
The final step of the VBT procedure involves the attachment of a flexible cord to the implanted screws. This cord places pressure on the convex side of the scoliosis curve, causing bones to grow more slowly and with increased density. The bones on the concave section of the curve grow faster and less compactly, aiding in the straightening of the spine over time. The cord also allows for more flexibility in movement than traditional spine fusion procedures that are used to treat scoliosis. This means that patients can typically return to their usual (or a vastly improved) range of motion following VBT surgery.
Conditions Treated By Vertebral Body Tethering
Vertebral body tethering is at the pinnacle of state-of-the-art treatments for adolescent and adult scoliosis. It is most effective for those whose spine curvature has advanced beyond what scoliosis bracing can manage, but who want to avoid traditional spinal fusion. VBT offers a motion-preserving path forward for patients who want correction without permanently sacrificing spine flexibility.
VBT treats mid-back curvature by accessing the convex side of the curve, gradually correcting the spine while allowing it to continue developing naturally in growing patients.
The most common form of scoliosis in young patients, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a primary candidate condition for VBT when bracing has been insufficient or curvature has progressed into the surgical range.
For curves spanning the mid and lower back, VBT provides effective correction while preserving the range of motion that fusion surgery would eliminate.
Select adult patients with adequate spinal flexibility may qualify for VBT. Our spine specialists conduct thorough evaluations to determine whether adult patients are a candidate for VBT.
Vertebral Body Tethering Candidacy & Eligibility Requirements
The ideal candidate for vertebral body tethering will be an individual who is older than 10 years of age but who has not yet reached spinal maturity. The degree of spinal curvature should be advanced and fall within a range of 35-70 degrees of curvature. This candidate group is not exclusive, however, and can be expanded to include individuals with more extreme curvature or older patients (depending upon your situation and the discretion of the surgeon).
Vertebral body tethering may not be beneficial for those who are experiencing severe curvature and spinal immobility, especially if there are previous fusion surgeries already intact. It is also not recommended for very small children under the age of 10; however, these decisions are made on a case by case basis.
Our New Jersey spine specialists conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine whether vertebral body tethering is the right treatment for your specific condition, age, and lifestyle goals.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Our experience with Dr. Lowenstein was fantastic!! When we found out our daughter would need surgery for her scoliosis.. of course we were all scared and nervous with the news. Dr. Lowenstein talked to us about everything, procedures, and concerns. He was absolutely fantastic!! 3 years later our daughter is thriving and enjoying life. Thank you ton Dr. Lowenstein and staff.
-Kerry H. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dr. Lowenstein and team are true professionals. Extremely well versed in overall spine care knowledge. Great experience, never rushed during office visits. He was trained by the best team of doctors at Columbia Presbyterian Scoliosis and Spine in NY of whom I had personal surgery from 25 years ago. I highly recommend this team. You will not be disappointed with their overall care, compassion and direction for your needs.
-Anthony F. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dr. Lowenstein, his team and staff were all amazing. They were able to juggle their schedules and the hospitals surgery schedules to be able to fit my daughters surgery in while she was home from college. From pre to post surgery Dr. Lowenstein explained everything that would be going on, what to expect and was always available to answer our questions. His compassion and caring showed in every encounter we had. We could not have found a better person to entrust with our daughters care.
-Rich M. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits of Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) for Scoliosis Correction
Dr. Jason E. Lowenstein is a world-renowned leader in the field of scoliosis surgery and is an active member of the Scoliosis Research Society. He also holds the position of Director of Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, New Jersey. With nearly 15 years of surgical distinction in scoliosis care, Dr. Lowenstein routinely reverses complex cases of spinal deformity.
With Dr. Lowenstein, Vertebral Body Tethering offers many benefits to those suffering from advanced scoliosis conditions including:
- VBT is typically a one-time surgery with little need for surgical upgrades
- With no fusion of the vertebrae required, the spine retains its flexibility and room for growth
- Flexibility in the spine allows the patient to return to sports or other active hobbies
- Minimally invasive techniques lead to shorter hospital stays and abbreviated recovery times
- The flexible cord will immediately generate a noticeable difference in posture after surgery
- Many patients are up and walking on the same day as the procedure
Why Choose Us for Advanced Spine Care
The Advanced Spine Center in New Jersey is recognized as a leading destination for spine treatment in the nation. Patients choose us for their spine treatment because we offer:
Comprehensive Care
From initial evaluation to post-surgical care, we provide complete spine care. Our multidisciplinary team ensures optimal outcomes for every patient.
Advanced Technology
State-of-the-art imaging, surgical navigation systems, and minimally invasive instruments enable precise, safe spine care with excellent results.
Convenient Location
Easily accessible in New Jersey and New York , our modern facility provides comfortable care in a convenient location. Plus, patients from across the nation, and even world wide, find come to us!
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertebral Body Tethering
Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently locks vertebrae together and eliminates motion at the treated levels, VBT uses a flexible tether that allows the spine to retain its natural movement and flexibility. Patients who undergo VBT can typically return to sports and active lifestyles that fusion surgery would restrict.
Vertebral Body Tethering recovery timelines can vary patient to patient. Most patients are discharged within 3 to 5 days. Adolescents typically return to school within 2 to 4 weeks, driving is usually cleared between 4 to 6 weeks, and non-contact sports around 3 to 4 months.
VBT is an FDA-approved procedure with a strong and growing clinical track record. As with any surgery, risks exist and are discussed thoroughly during your consultation. Dr. Lowenstein and the Advanced Spine Center team have extensive experience performing VBT with excellent patient outcomes.
VBT surgery typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the number of spinal levels being treated and the complexity of the curve.
Vertebral Body Tethering can treat multiple spinal levels in a single procedure. The number of levels addressed depends on the length and severity of the curve, which is determined during your pre-surgical evaluation.
Most patients do not require a second surgery. VBT is designed as a one-time procedure, though in rare cases where the tether requires adjustment, an additional intervention can be helpful.
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