oscar willard

About oscar willard

For decades, the diagnosis of progressive scoliosis often forced patients and families to confront the prospect of spinal fusion, a highly effective but inherently rigid solution that sacrifices long-term spinal mobility. However, the landscape of pediatric spine care is being revolutionized by Scoliosis Tethering Surgery, also known as Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)—a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure designed to correct spinal curvature while preserving crucial flexibility. Instead of fusing vertebrae into a fixed, rigid position, VBT utilizes the patient’s remaining growth potential; surgeons employ a strong, flexible cord, the ”tether,” which is secured with screws along the convex side of the curve. This tension-based system acts as an internal, dynamic brace, gradually straightening the spine as the patient grows, offering an innovative, motion-sparing alternative to traditional fusion.