11.3.10  Vertebral Stapling

11.3.10.1\ Discussion

Vertebral body stapling is a minimally invasive, fusionless alternative to reduce curvature progression in patients with mild idiopathic scoliosis. Vertebral staples are composed of shape memory alloys that can be custom fit to the size of the vertebral body. The staples are

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inserted into the lateral aspects of the vertebral bodies across the disc spaces unilateral to the convex side of the scoliosis (Fig. 11.61). A thoracoscopic approach can be used for thoracic curves and a mini-open retroperitoneal approach for lumbar curves. Initial success rates are high and with few associated complications, although long-term follow-up is not yet available.

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