Dynamic scoliosis correction

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The dynamic scoliosis correction was introduced at the Shriners Children's Hospital in Philadelphia , USA as a method of "vertebral body tethering", in English: the "tying up of the vertebral bodies" in severe scoliosis . In contrast to the established treatment methods, e.g. B. by means of a Chêneau corset or rigid implants , the patient remains largely free to move.

treatment

The new thing about this scoliosis correction is a flexible plastic rope made of polyethylene terephthalate . This implant is attached to the side of the patient's spine with screws , on the outside of the curve. Then the band is put under strong tension so that it straightens the crooked spine like an inner corset. This method of minimally invasive and gentle correction of the spine was introduced at the Eifelklinik St. Brigida in Simmerath in Germany. It is one of the few clinics in Germany that mainly treat young patients with this surgical method.

Around 2000 young people around the world have now been operated on using the new method, most of them in the USA and around 100 in Germany.

The advantage of the band method (vertebral body tethering) is - according to Per Trobisch, chief physician of spinal surgery at the Eifelklinikum St. Brigida - that the curvature can be corrected, but the back remains flexible. Both together are a novelty. The method of choice for severe scoliosis has so far been stiffening the spine with screws and rigid metal rods in the back. An estimated 1,000 young people receive such a spinal fusion every year in Germany. The curved back section is successfully straightened up. The elastic intervertebral discs ossify, the individual vertebrae grow together to form a block.

In August 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the OP method in the USA. A study commissioned by the FDA showed that spinal stiffening could be avoided in 43 out of 57 patients two years after surgery. This means that the surgical method, which was approved in Europe in 2017, is also available as a further option for American patients.

Assumption of costs

The Seil method does not yet have its own billing number as a cash benefit. However, the procedure has already been recognized as a "New Examination and Treatment Method" (NUB). This now allows individual clinics to agree a corresponding fee with the health insurers. In response to an individual application by the patient, some health insurers are already assuming the costs for the new operation of 35,000 euros and more. Others pay at least what a standard stiffener costs - at least 18,000 euros.

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Comparison of vertebral body tethering and spinal fusion surgery with clear images
  2. ^ Department of Spine at the St. Brigida Hospital
  3. ↑ Amanda Pedersen: FDA Approval 'Finally' Recognizes Vertebral Body Tethering as a Mainstream Scoliosis Treatment. August 16, 2019, accessed on August 17, 2019 .