Patient Spotlights
The children we have treated through the Mount Sinai Health System Young Spine Program are happy with their results and enthusiastically share their stories.
Non-fusion Scoliosis Correction (Emiline)
“The entire medical team at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital was exceptional and experienced—true to professionalism and quality care. Emiline was able to return to competitive tennis after a speedy recovery, and she is back at the top of her game. We are all so thankful.” – Diane, mother of Emiline
Why Non-fusion Correction?
Non-fusion scoliosis correction, also known as anterior scoliosis correction or vertebral body tethering (VBT) is an alternative to the standard spinal fusion operation. Only a handful of experienced scoliosis surgeons around the world perform this new procedure, which corrects the scoliosis while permitting growth. During the procedure, the surgeon places screws into the vertebral bodies, the building blocks of the spine linked by a flexible cord.
Because this procedure is only a few years old, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the implants for this indication. We expect to be part of a prospective clinical study overseen by the FDA beginning in 2018, and believe this study will result in approval of this exciting approach to the correction of scoliosis.
VATS with Posterior Spinal Fusion (Ruth)
Ruth is a 13-year-old girl who came to Dr. Lonner for treatment after doing her best to prevent her scoliosis from getting worse with bracing and scoliosis-specific therapy and exercise. Because of the severity of the curvature, Dr. Lonner recommended a combined VATS procedure with posterior spinal fusion to correct this severe progressive scoliosis.
Ruth now says, “Looking back on my surgery, I'm so happy I did it because now I can do everything I wanted to do. I don't have to worry about the way I look, the way I feel, or any pain. I wouldn't have it any other way.” – Ruth, young spine program patient
Why VATS with Posterior Spinal Fusion?
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive technique of spine surgery, helps correct the most severe spinal curvatures. Only a handful of surgeons worldwide can perform this procedure.
VATS enables the surgeon to remove the discs—cushions between the bones of the spine—within the curvature to make the spine more flexible. This approach allow for the best possible correction of scoliosis with the highest level of safety.
Successful Surgery (Nina)
"Dr. Allen and everyone I met during my surgery and stay at Mount Sinai was incredibly nice, accommodating, and helpful. They made me feel comfortable and overall it was a great experience." – Nina, young spine program patient
