OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) as an option for initial treatment of scoliosis in younger children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: We evaluated 10 patients with cerebral palsy (CP) treated with VEPTR by the group of scoliosis of the AACD in Sao Paulo. The characteristics of the subjects were progressive scoliosis and skeletal immaturity without severe deformity in the sagittal plane. We evaluated the curve by the Cobb method pre-and postoperatively and after two years of follow up. RESULTS: The correction achieved with the use of VEPTR in the immediate postoperative period was on average 41.4% on initial radiographs without traction (p=0.005) and 9.1% (p=0.055) in the traction radiographs. Four months after surgery the gains of 27.2% were maintained compared to the baseline. There was a correction of pelvic obliquity from 10.2º preoperatively to 5.4º on average (p=0.007). Complications occurred in six patients (60%), and only one patient required removal of the VEPTR. CONCLUSION: The VEPTR is a method that has obtained significant correction in the temporary treatment of Scoliosis in PC, despite frequent complications with low morbidity.
Scoliosis; Spinal fusion; Spinal fusion; Prostheses and implants
