First-of-its-Kind MIS Scoliosis Surgery Demo at Future Surgery 2021

A novel non-fusion surgical technique that aims to create a straight spine in children diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has been demonstrated on the ABHI Surgical Simulation Theatre at Future Surgery Show 2021.

Background

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis for which there is no definable cause, affects children between 10 and 18. For the last 50 years the main technique for treating the condition has been traditional spinal fusion. This surgery involves fracturing the bones in the spine, putting them into the correct place and fusing them together, so they can heal into one solid unit.

While effective, the treatment means that the spine becomes rigid and usually requires 6-9 months for the bones to fuse.

In the last 10 years, the desire to maintain spine motion has fuelled the development of various growth modulation procedures. One of these promising techniques that has gained traction is vertebral body tethering (VBT). VBT is a thoracoscopic, fusionless treatment option that is considered as a new promising method for the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, without causing any major complications. 

Shorter recovery

During the procedure, screws are placed into the side of the spine which are connected by a flexible cord rather than a metal rod. Importantly for patients and healthcare providers, the recovery period is only the length of time it takes for the scars to heal. This is approximately two weeks, meaning children can resume sports activities almost immediately.

The ground-breaking technique was developed in the USA, where it has recently become widely practised to correct scoliosis while still preserving spinal flexibility.

VBT is currently being trialled in the UK for the first time. While the surgery is usually done as a mini-open procedure using one small incision, the surgeons trialing it in the UK will be using a minimally-invasive keyhole thoracoscopic approach, making the demonstration a UK- and world-first.

The two day Future Surgery show at London’s ExCel (9-10 Nov) is being run in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The event features over 100 expert speakers. The Association of British Healthtech Industries (ABHI) ‘Surgical Simulation Theatre’ will be replicating a fully working operating theatre. At this facility simulation of the technically challenging technique has been performed by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Julian Leong from the world-leading Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and leading Consultant Neurosurgeon David Baxter.

Clinician comments

David Baxter, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Defence Medical Services, commented: “We are proud to be the first to trial this new promising technique in the UK and to be leading a simulation of it at this year’s Future Surgery Show.

“What’s really unique and exciting about vertebral body tethering is that we’re the only people doing it at the moment in the UK and we perform it through a keyhole thoracoscope whereas the places that do it in the US and Germany do it through a bigger open cut in the chest. As a technique it is truly ground-breaking, allowing kids to get back to elite sport or dancing or swimming within a couple of weeks of having the surgery, and it straightens their spine without having to fracture it meaning it retains flexibility.”

ABHI comments

Paul Benton, Managing Director, International at the ABHI added: “We are delighted to be showcasing this revolutionary new technique at Future Surgery 2021. Our simulated surgical theatre is designed to celebrate collaborations between healthcare providers, clinicians and healthcare technology companies, allowing visitors to watch Britain’s best surgeons in action.”

Source: ABHI

published: November 9, 2021 in: Congresses and Meetings, Spine

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most read

Latest

^