The Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) for Idiopathic Early-Onset Scoliosis

Although many cases of infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) resolve with observation or nonoperative treatment, some severe and/or progressive deformities may benefit from surgical intervention. We present a case of a patient with IIS who was treated initially with bracing. After documented curve progression despite bracing, he was treated with a unilateral rib to spine VEPTR construct. This construct was distracted over a 4-year interval. At most recent follow-up, the VEPTR construct has maintained control of his spinal deformity while preserving thoracic growth and avoiding spinal fusion.