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Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR)

What is a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib?
The vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) is a metal rod curved to fit the back of the chest and spine. During a surgical procedure it is attached to the rib cage or pelvis to help the spine become straighter.

A VEPTR expands a child's chest, giving the rib cage room to grow. Expanding the rib cage also provides room for lungs to grow and expand.

The length of the VEPTR is adjusted as the child grows.

What are the benefits of a VEPTR?
A VEPTR is implanted to:

  • Allow for normal growth in children with conditions such as childhood scoliosis
  • Decrease deformity of the spine
  • Provide room for lungs to grow and expand, improving breathing

The multi-disciplinary spine team at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center can perform an extensive evaluation to determine whether your child can benefit from a VEPTR.

What happens during the VEPTR procedure?
While your child is under general anesthesia (fully asleep), an orthopedic surgeon will make an incision in your child's back. Any ribs that are fused together will be gently separated. One or two VEPTR devices will be placed on your child's ribs. One will attach from the top to the bottom of the rib cage. The other (if needed) will attach from the top of the rib cage to the bones in the lower back. 

If your child has scoliosis on both sides, a second surgery may be scheduled to implant VEPTR parts on the second side.

Your child will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two following surgery.

What happens as my child grows?
Your child will need to have surgery as often as every four to six months to make the VEPTR longer. This is done through a small incision. Over time, the attachments may loosen and the VEPTR may need to be replaced. When your child stops growing, the VEPTR may be removed.

Why Le Bonheur Children's?
The orthopedic surgeons at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center are some of the most well respected pediatric surgeons in the United States. The hospital's spine program is dedicated to the treatment and research of pediatric spinal conditions. Children from across the country visit Le Bonheur each year for treatment.