Growth tethering devices for idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a 3D spine deformity that worsens during the whole growth. The treatments available are bracing during the whole growth to avoid progression of the deformity and surgical fusion of the spine at skeletal maturity for the most severe curves. Recent advances in flexible spinal implants have given rise to new expectations in the management of progressive scoliosis with growth modulation without fusion. For the first time, treatment allows us to expect a correction of progressive curves without fusion. This review discusses the recent developments in the field of spinal growth modulation techniques and discusses the pros and cons of the medical devices used in this indication.

Keywords: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; brace; flexible tether; growth modulation; non fusion; spine deformity; vertebral body stapling.