Dr. Baron Lonner is a best in class Non-Fusion Corrective Scoliosis orthopedic spine surgery specialists with offices in NYC (Manhattan) and Long Island (Great Neck).
Motion-Preserving Scoliosis Treatment from One of the Best Scoliosis Surgeons in NYC
For many years, spinal fusion has been the standard surgical treatment for scoliosis. Today, advances in orthopedic spine surgery have made it possible for some patients to be treated with non-fusion corrective surgery, a motion-preserving approach that can correct spinal curvature while maintaining flexibility.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner is a recognized leader in non-fusion scoliosis surgery, including Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) and other growth modulation techniques. As one of the best scoliosis surgeons in NYC, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon in New York, and a trusted specialist serving Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, and beyond, Dr. Lonner offers innovative treatment options for carefully selected children and adolescents with scoliosis.
I had my VBT surgery with Dr Lonner in 2019, and I’m now shadowing him as a pre-med student!!! As a past patient and now witnessing him work day-to-day, I can definitively say that he’s a fantastic physician. Beyond his technical skills, Dr Lonner treats each of his patients with the utmost respect and attention. No one is ever excited to have to get surgery, but Dr Lonner’s enthusiasm and through explanations provides reassurance to both the patient and their family. As for myself, my back as never been better. ~ Google
What Is Non-Fusion Corrective Surgery?
Non-fusion corrective surgery is designed to straighten the spine without permanently fusing the vertebrae together. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, these procedures preserve motion between the treated spinal segments and use the body’s remaining growth to help improve spinal alignment over time.
Potential benefits may include:
- Preserving spinal flexibility
- Maintaining a greater range of motion
- Smaller incisions for certain procedures
- Continued spinal growth in appropriate patients
- Reduced stress on adjacent spinal segments
Because these procedures rely on continued growth, they are not appropriate for every patient.
Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)
The most common non-fusion procedure is Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT).
During VBT, screws are placed along the outer side of the spinal curve and connected with a flexible cord (tether). As the child continues to grow, the tether helps guide the spine into a straighter position while preserving spinal motion.
This innovative technique offers an alternative to spinal fusion for carefully selected patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who still have significant growth remaining.
Who Is a Candidate?
Not every patient with scoliosis is a candidate for non-fusion surgery.
Patients who may qualify often have:
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- Progressive curves despite bracing
- Moderate spinal curves
- Flexible spinal deformities
- Remaining skeletal growth
A comprehensive evaluation—including physical examination, standing X-rays, and assessment of skeletal maturity—is necessary to determine whether VBT or another motion-preserving procedure is appropriate.
Benefits of Non-Fusion Scoliosis Surgery
For properly selected patients, non-fusion surgery may offer several advantages:
- Preserves spinal flexibility
- Maintains more natural spinal motion
- Allows continued spinal growth
- May support an earlier return to sports and daily activities
- Avoids permanent fusion of spinal segments
While these benefits are appealing, spinal fusion remains the most appropriate treatment for many patients with severe or rigid scoliosis. Dr. Lonner carefully reviews every treatment option to recommend the approach that offers the safest and most durable outcome.
Dr. Baron Lonner has been at the forefront of innovation in scoliosis surgery for decades. He has helped advance minimally invasive and motion-preserving scoliosis techniques through clinical research, education, and patient care.
Families throughout NYC, Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and across the United States and The World choose Scoliosis & Spine Associates because of our:
- Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon
- Internationally recognized scoliosis specialist
- Expertise in Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)
- Advanced pediatric and adolescent scoliosis care
- Personalized treatment plans
- Comprehensive evaluation of both surgical and non-surgical options
- Thousands of surgeries performed
If you’re searching for one of the best scoliosis surgeon NYC (and the world), a non-fusion scoliosis specialist in Manhattan, or an experienced orthopedic spine surgeon serving Great Neck and Long Island, Scoliosis Associates provides advanced, patient-centered care using the latest evidence-based techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is non-fusion scoliosis surgery better than spinal fusion?
Neither procedure is universally better. Non-fusion surgery is an excellent option for certain growing patients, while spinal fusion remains the gold standard for many larger or more rigid curves. The right treatment depends on the patient’s age, growth potential, and spinal deformity.
Will I keep full flexibility after VBT?
The goal of VBT is to preserve significantly more spinal motion than fusion surgery, but flexibility varies depending on the patient’s anatomy, curve type, and treatment plan.
Can adults have non-fusion scoliosis surgery?
Traditional VBT is generally intended for patients who are still growing. During your consultation, Dr. Lonner will determine whether another motion-preserving technique or a different surgical approach is more appropriate based on your age and spinal condition.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or your child has progressive scoliosis, you may be a candidate for a non-fusion corrective procedure. Dr. Baron Lonner and the team at Scoliosis Associates provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the most effective treatment based on your age, spinal flexibility, and long-term goals.
We proudly serve patients throughout New York City, Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, and the Northeast, the United States, and the World, offering advanced scoliosis treatments designed to correct spinal deformity while preserving function whenever possible.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner provides expert, personalized care for pediatric and adult scoliosis, spinal deformities, back pain, neck pain, and complex spine conditions. Serving patients throughout NYC, Manhattan, and Great Neck, Long Island, and the world, our practice is dedicated to advanced treatment and the highest standards of safety and care.
Patients seeking an experienced scoliosis surgeon in NYC, Manhattan, or Great Neck, Long Island can turn to Dr. Lonner for individualized treatment and advanced surgical expertise. Contact Scoliosis & Spine Associates today to schedule a consultation.
Scoliosis & Spine Associates
Baron Lonner, MD
1155 Park Ave, #1
New York, NY 10128
646-499-3715
Scoliosis & Spine Associates of Long Island
Baron Lonner, MD
833 Northern Boulevard, Suite 229
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-814-9399
