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Vertebral Body Tethering for Scoliosis

Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) is a surgical procedure that uses a series of screws and a medical-grade tether cord to gradually correct the spine of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Unlike a spinal fusion procedure, VBT allows the spine to move more freely and naturally and gives the child room to grow without always needing additional surgeries.

Vertebral Body Tethering received FDA approval to be offered by a limited number of surgeons as a humanitarian use exemption. The Spine Care team at Children's Mercy has received specific training approved by the FDA and the device manufacturer to offer this scoliosis correction system.

Contact the Spine Care Team

We're here to help. Contact us to talk about your child's spine care needs.

Is the Vertebral Body Tethering an option for my child?


Most often, we recommend VBT for young people ages 9-15 with a curve measurement between 40 and 65 degrees. Your child will be asleep under anesthesia for the procedure, which can be done either endoscopically (a minimally invasive method that allows the surgeons to access the spine through small openings in your child's chest) or through a larger vertical incision in their back.

Ideal candidates for this procedure have:

  • a year or more of growth left, as determined by x-ray and other measurement indicators
  • an idiopathic curve (not caused by other health conditions)
  • no previous spine surgery
  • a reasonably flexible curve that is not too rotated

VBT works by gradually straightening your child's spine as they grow. It does not require additional visits to the clinic, other than periodic check-ins to monitor progress and address any questions you might have.

X-ray of spine before Zimmer Tether placement (posteroanterior view)
Scoliosis patient before VBT placement
X-ray of spine after Zimmer Tether placement (posteroanterior view)
Scoliosis patient after VBT placement
Spine Care
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