Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) Spine Surgery

Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) Spine Surgery in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. VBT is a cutting-edge surgical technique that offers a less invasive alternative to traditional spinal fusion for treating scoliosis, particularly in adolescents. Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently joins vertebrae together, VBT aims to correct spinal curvature while preserving spinal flexibility and allowing for continued growth. At Emirates Hospitals Group, Dr Firas Husban performs the VBT technique as is considered one of the best Vertebral Body Tethering surgeons in Dubai, UAE.

What is Vertebral Body Tethering?

VBT involves placing screws into the vertebral bodies (the main part of the vertebrae) on the convex side of the spinal curve. A flexible, strong cord called a tether is then attached to these screws. By applying tension to the tether, the spine is gently pulled into a straighter position. The tether acts as a guide, encouraging the spine to grow in a more aligned manner over time

Benefits of Vertebral Body Tethering

• Less invasive: VBT is a minimally invasive procedure, resulting in smaller incisions, less blood loss, and potentially faster recovery times compared to traditional spinal fusion.
• Preservation of spinal motion: VBT allows for greater flexibility and range of motion compared to spinal fusion, which can significantly limit spinal mobility.
• Continued growth potential: VBT is particularly beneficial for adolescents who are still growing, as it allows for continued spinal growth and development.
• Improved quality of life: By correcting spinal curvature and preserving flexibility, VBT can lead to improved posture, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life for patients.

Conditions Treated with Vertebral Body Tethering

VBT is primarily used to treat Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), the most common type of scoliosis, which typically appears during adolescence. It is most effective for patients who:

• Are skeletally immature (still growing)
• Have a Cobb angle (a measure of spinal curvature) between 45 and 65 degrees
• Have flexible spinal curves

While VBT offers several advantages our expert internationally renowned spine surgeon Dr Firas Husban will do a full assessment to ensure suitability for this technique.

Patient’s age and skeletal maturity are important as VBT is most effective in growing adolescents and may not be suitable for all type of scoliosis.