[Use of VEPTR (Vertebral Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib) device in the treatment of congenital spine and thorax deformities].

UNLABELLED: Congenital spine and thorax deformities are an interdisciplinary clinical problem. Apart from trunk deformity they may lead to respiratory or cardiovascular insufficiency. Surgical treatment should be implimented as soon as possible in order to improve posture, balance and further development. This treatment should not impair further growth of the young spine. This is possible with the VEPTR device.

AIM OF PAPER: Aim of paper is presentation of initial results of surgical treatment of congenital spine deformities with the VEPTR system.

MATERIAL,

METHODS

We treated 3 patients, aged 5 to 14. All had severe congenital spine and thorax deformities. The VEPTR device was implanted in the following configurations: rib-rib in two patients and spine-rib in one patient. We evaluated: Cobb angle of the main curve, spine balance, respiratory function before and after surgical treatment. Followup was 12 months.

RESULTS

Posture and balance of the spine improved in all patients. Curve correction was from 10% to 71%. In one patient with initial respiratory insufficiency symptoms subsided gradually.

CONCLUSION

VEPTR device is indicated in treatment of severe congenital deformities of the spine and thoracic cage. It improves patients' posture, changes the shape of thorax wall and consecutively improves respiratory function and further development.