Is Fusion Still the Default for Juvenile Scoliosis?
Carousel1 min read·Published Oct 2026

Is Fusion Still the Default for Juvenile Scoliosis?

Clinical scenario slide presenting a 9-year-old gymnast with progressive juvenile idiopathic scoliosis.
Infographic explaining vertebral body tethering procedure for pediatric scoliosis with three key benefits listed.
Slide listing three risks of poor timing in spinal surgery and emphasizing patient selection.
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Carousel · Oct 2026 · 1 min read

In brief

In brief

Educational carousel examining vertebral body tethering as an alternative to traditional spinal fusion for juvenile scoliosis. Reviews the growth-preserving technique's indications, outcomes, and role in modern pediatric spine surgery decision-making.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the carousel.

Slides

4 pages · click to turn to one

A clinical comparison chart displaying three treatment modalities in vertical columns with icons, percentage metrics, and outcome indicators. Each column uses distinct color coding and includes graphical representations of success rates, complication profiles, and patient ambulation data. Statistical data is presented with bar graphs and numerical percentages.

Spine — vertebral body tethering. A social-media carousel made possible by Cincinnati Children's.
The text in the image

Pediatric Achalasia: Surgical Approach Comparison | Heller Myotomy | 78% Success Rate | Esophageal Dilatation | 45% Success Rate | POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) | 99% Success Rate | 742 Cases Reviewed | Complication Rates | Training Requirements | Ambulation Outcomes | 71-83% with Cell Lines A&B | 20% without cells | In Utero Myelomeningocele Repair | Ovine Model Study | Human Placental Mesenchymal Stromal Cells | Neuroprotection | Clinical Cell Line Selection | Robotic vs Laparoscopic Surgery | Pediatric Patients | Clinical Advantages | Technique Selection | Patient-Specific Factors

The text on each slide
  1. Made possible by Cincinnati Children's changing the outcome together | A CLINICAL SCENARIO: | THE PATIENT | 9-year-old gymnast. | Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. | Bracing failed. | 2 YEARS LATER | Curve has progressed to 50°+. | Is fusion still your default for kids? | For some patients, there's a newer answer. | Swipe right
  2. ENTER: VERTEBRAL BODY TETHERING (VBT) | FDA-approved, minimally invasive, non-fusion alternative for growing kids. | Polyethylene flexible band placed anteriorly on the convex side | Modulates growth — spine grows straighter as the child matures | Return to sport in ~6 weeks vs. 3–6 months for fusion | Swipe right | Cincinnati Children's changing the outcome together
  3. WHO ACTUALLY QUALIFIES: | VBT only works when the patient meets all three: | Skeletally immature — near peak growth velocity | Moderately severe curve — large enough to need surgery, small enough to modulate | Flexible curve — still amenable to growth modulation | Lorena Floccari, MD | Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Akron Children's Hospital | Swipe right | Cincinnati Children's
  4. WHEN TO WALK AWAY: | Too early → overcorrection | Too late → tether breaks, spine reverts | Wrong patient → revision surgery risk | The right patient, the right time... not just the right procedure. | GC | Full video — link in bio. | Cincinnati Children's
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