Vertebral body tethering for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a review

PurposeAdolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) remains the most common type of pediatric scoliosis, mostly affecting children between ages 10 and 18. Vertebral body tethering (VBT) offers a non-fusion alternative to the gold standard spinal fusion that permits flexibility and some growth within instrumented segments. This article will serve as a comprehensive literature review of the current state-of-the-art of VBT in relation to radiographic and clinical outcomes, complications, and the learning curve associated with the procedure.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from April 2002 to December 2022. Studies were included if they discussed VBT and consisted of clinical studies in which a minimum 2-years follow-up was reported, and series that included anesthetic considerations, learning curve, and early operative morbidity.ResultsForty-nine studies spanning the period from April 2002 to December 2022 were reviewed.ConclusionThis article illustrates the potential benefits and challenges of the surgical treatment of AIS with VBT and can serve as a basis for the further study and refinement of this technique ideally as a living document that will be updated regularly.