The progression of early onset scoliosis has a negative effect on the visceral organs, respiratory system, and normal spinal growth, and so treatment should be begun as soon as possible. Reports have shown that after early fusion of the spine to treat early onset scoliosis, respiratory function decreases. Spinal fusion also prevents the development of the vertebrae.
Robert Campbell and Melvin Smith have developed expansion thoracostomy and VEPTR instrumentation for thoracic deficiency syndrome associated with congenital scoliosis, rib fusion, and hypoplastic chest wall deformity.
The VEPTR system, a non-fusion technique to correct deformity, is used in children with multiple spinal abnormalities to reduce the spinal deformity, increase the respiratory function, and allow lung growth.
This technique allows growth of the chest cage and the spine by lengthening and expanding the narrowed hemithorax. This technique seems to directly treat thoracic insufficiency syndrome. It also indirectly fixes scoliosis without fusion.
Complications are seen at a high rate, as repeated surgical procedures are required for the use of VEPTR. The patients should have sufficient skin, subcutaneous adipose and muscle tissue for the implementation of the VEPTR system. If the appropriate conditions are not present, complications are likely to be faced when the VEPTR system is applied.
Keywords: Early onset scoliosis, VEPTR, indications, surgery technique, complications