ASC treatment, also known as Anterior Scoliosis Correction or Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at correcting scoliosis, or the abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.
Understanding Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)
Unlike traditional spinal fusion, ASC/VBT aims to correct the curvature while preserving spinal flexibility and growth. This makes it a potentially attractive option, particularly for younger patients with scoliosis who are still growing.
How ASC Treatment Works
The procedure involves the following steps:
- Accessing the Spine: Surgeons make small incisions in the side of the chest (thoracoscopically) to access the spine.
- Placing Screws: Screws are inserted into the vertebrae on the convex (outer) side of the spinal curve.
- Tethering the Spine: A flexible, strong cord (the tether) is then attached to the screws.
- Applying Tension: The surgeon applies tension to the tether, which gradually straightens the spine.
- Growth Modulation: As the patient grows, the tether guides the spine to grow straighter, further correcting the scoliosis.
Key Benefits of ASC Treatment
- Maintained Spinal Flexibility: A significant advantage over spinal fusion.
- Preserved Growth Potential: Crucial for growing children and adolescents.
- Minimally Invasive: Results in smaller scars and potentially faster recovery compared to spinal fusion.
Important Considerations
While promising, ASC/VBT is still a relatively new technique, and long-term outcomes are still being studied. Potential risks and considerations include:
- Tether breakage: The tether can break or loosen over time, potentially requiring further intervention.
- Overcorrection or undercorrection: The spine may be straightened too much or not enough.
- Progression of scoliosis: The scoliosis may continue to progress even after surgery.
Is ASC Treatment Right for You?
ASC/VBT is not suitable for all scoliosis patients. Ideal candidates are typically:
- Skeletally immature (still growing)
- Have a moderate scoliosis curve (typically between 30 and 65 degrees)
- Do not have significant spinal rotation
- Are generally healthy
A thorough evaluation by an experienced orthopedic surgeon is crucial to determine if ASC treatment is appropriate.
