Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) in NYC, Manhattan & Great Neck, Long Island
Advanced Fusionless Scoliosis Surgery from One of the Best Scoliosis Surgeons in NYC
For some children and adolescents with scoliosis, Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) offers an innovative alternative to traditional spinal fusion. This advanced, fusionless technique is designed to correct spinal curvature while preserving spinal motion, making it an attractive option for carefully selected patients who are still growing.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner is internationally recognized for his expertise in the treatment of pediatric and adolescent scoliosis, including motion-preserving surgical techniques such as Vertebral Body Tethering. As one of the best scoliosis surgeons in NYC, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon in New York, and a trusted scoliosis specialist serving Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, and patients from across the United States, Dr. Lonner offers comprehensive evaluations to determine whether VBT is the right treatment for each individual patient.
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 Vertebral Body Tethering?
Vertebral Body Tethering is a minimally invasive, fusionless scoliosis surgery that uses a flexible cord, or tether, attached to screws placed along the side of the spine. Instead of permanently fusing the vertebrae together, the tether gently guides spinal growth as a child continues to grow.
As growth occurs, the tether helps slow growth on one side of the spine while allowing the opposite side to continue growing, gradually improving spinal alignment over time. This concept, known as growth modulation, allows many patients to maintain greater spinal flexibility compared to traditional spinal fusion.
Because VBT depends on remaining spinal growth, it is typically recommended only for children and adolescents who have not yet reached skeletal maturity.
Dr. Lonner completed my scoliosis surgery almost twenty years ago. I recently saw him for a follow-up visit. His expertise, professionalism, and genuine concern is unmatched. Although I don’t see him often, it’s always nice to visit him and his office staff. The quality of care that he provides has remained consistent throughout the years. You can read all about his stellar work online, but his character, patience, and due diligence shines most.
Thank you, Dr. Lonner. ~ Google
Who Is a Candidate for VBT?
Not every child with scoliosis is a candidate for Vertebral Body Tethering. Careful patient selection is essential to achieving the best possible results.
Potential candidates often include patients who:
- Have adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)
- Are still growing
- Have moderate to severe spinal curves
- Have flexible scoliosis curves
- Have not responded adequately to observation or bracing
- Wish to preserve spinal motion when appropriate
During your consultation, Dr. Lonner performs a comprehensive evaluation that includes imaging studies, physical examination, growth assessment, and review of your child’s medical history to determine whether VBT is an appropriate option.
Benefits of Vertebral Body Tethering
For carefully selected patients, VBT offers several potential advantages over traditional spinal fusion.
Potential benefits include:
- Motion-preserving treatment
- No spinal fusion
- Continued spinal growth guidance
- Improved spinal alignment
- Smaller surgical incisions
- Earlier return to many daily activities
- Maintenance of flexibility in the treated portion of the spine
- Reduced impact on future spinal motion
Every patient is unique, and outcomes depend on factors such as curve size, flexibility, skeletal maturity, and continued growth after surgery.
How Is VBT Performed?
Vertebral Body Tethering is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques.
During surgery:
- Small incisions are made along the side of the chest or abdomen, depending on the location of the curve.
- Specialized instruments and imaging technology are used to access the spine.
- Screws are placed into the vertebral bodies.
- A flexible polyethylene tether is attached to the screws.
- The tether is tensioned to partially correct the curve during surgery while allowing future growth to continue improving alignment.
Throughout the procedure, advanced spinal cord and nerve monitoring is used to help protect neurological function and enhance patient safety.
Recovery After VBT Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the individual patient, but many children begin walking shortly after surgery and return home within several days.
Recovery generally includes:
- Early walking and gentle activity
- Personalized pain management
- Gradual return to school
- Activity restrictions during initial healing
- Follow-up imaging to monitor spinal growth and correction
- Ongoing evaluations throughout skeletal growth
Most children continue to improve as they recover and resume normal activities under the guidance of their surgical team.
VBT vs. Spinal Fusion
Both Vertebral Body Tethering and spinal fusion are effective treatments for scoliosis, but they serve different purposes.
Vertebral Body Tethering:
- Preserves spinal motion
- Uses growth modulation
- Designed for growing children and adolescents
- Does not permanently fuse the spine
Spinal Fusion:
- Permanently stabilizes the spine
- Appropriate for many severe or mature curves
- Proven long-term correction
- Recommended for patients who are no longer growing or who are not candidates for VBT
Dr. Lonner discusses the advantages, limitations, and expected outcomes of each procedure to help families make informed decisions.
Why Choose Dr. Baron Lonner for Vertebral Body Tethering?
Choosing a board certified orthopedic surgeon experienced in pediatric spinal deformity and motion-preserving techniques is essential when considering Vertebral Body Tethering.
Patients from NYC, Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and across the country and the world trust Dr. Baron Lonner because of his:
- Board certification in Orthopedic Surgery
- International recognition in scoliosis treatment
- Extensive experience treating pediatric and adolescent spinal deformities
- Expertise in Vertebral Body Tethering and fusionless scoliosis surgery
- Advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Personalized treatment plans
- Commitment to patient safety and long-term outcomes
- Comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery
Families seeking the best scoliosis surgeon in NYC, a pediatric spine surgeon in Manhattan, or an orthopedic spine surgeon serving Great Neck and Long Island turn to Scoliosis & Spine Associates for advanced, individualized scoliosis care.
Dr Lonner is incredibly experienced, compassionate, and truly provides patient / family centered care. He provided models and all of the options to our daughter with risks benefits to help inform our decision. His team worked tirelessly, with tremendous patience helping to schedule our daughters surgery in the face of unusually difficult insurance circumstances. We feel fortunate to have our daughter cared for by dr lonner and his team. Patricia, Kaitlin and Ela helped us to work through the entire process and went above and beyond. ~ Google
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vertebral Body Tethering FDA approved?
Vertebral Body Tethering is available in the United States under specific regulatory pathways for appropriately selected patients. Dr. Lonner will discuss the latest indications, benefits, and considerations during your consultation.
Will my child still be able to play sports?
Many patients return to sports and recreational activities after recovery. The timing depends on healing, spinal correction, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Does VBT permanently correct scoliosis?
VBT is designed to improve spinal alignment while guiding future growth. Because every child grows differently, continued follow-up is essential to monitor results and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
What happens if my child is not a candidate for VBT?
If Vertebral Body Tethering is not appropriate, Dr. Lonner offers a full range of treatment options, including observation, scoliosis bracing, physical therapy, spinal fusion, and other advanced surgical techniques tailored to your child’s condition.
Schedule a Consultation
If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, early evaluation by an experienced spinal deformity specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment. Vertebral Body Tethering may be an excellent option for carefully selected patients who are still growing and wish to preserve spinal motion.
Dr. Baron Lonner and the team at Scoliosis Associates proudly care for patients throughout New York City, Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, and the Northeast, providing advanced scoliosis treatment with a focus on innovation, safety, and exceptional long-term outcomes.
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
