Innovative Spinal Surgery

When spinal surgery is required, Texas Children’s offers the most advanced approaches and techniques. Our multi-disciplinary surgical team utilizes 3D printing capabilities, which creates a patient-specific model of the spinal issue and helps the surgery team to plan a more accurate recovery process.

Additionally, our spine surgeons have a C-Arm Surgical Imaging System available during each procedure which allows them to easily check anatomical details, like bones and soft tissue, to monitor progress and make adjustments during surgery.

Common spine surgery methods include:

  • Tethering Correctional Surgery: Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) is most commonly used for patients with idiopathic scoliosis that has not been corrected with nonsurgical methods. This minimally-invasive procedure is recommended for patients with a moderate to significant spinal curve who are not yet finished growing. VBT uses a tether that is pulled tight along the spine, and as the patient grows, the tether helps the spine straighten out.
  • MAGEC™ Remote Control Growing Rods: MAGEC growing rods, part of the Magnetic Expansion Control system, is a new surgical treatment for children with severe spinal deformities. After a minimally-invasive procedure to implant the rods, an external remote control is used to lengthen or retract the rods as needed to straighten the spine. With MAGEC, there is no need for repetitive spine-straightening surgeries which can improve quality of life.
  • Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion surgery is most commonly recommended for patients with neuromuscular scoliosis, and completed once they stop growing. With this option, the spine is fused permanently to reduce pain, increase stability and prevent the curve from worsening.

After Spinal Surgery

All patients, their conditions and their surgery pathways are different, but most patients stay in the hospital for 2-5 days following spinal surgery. Your care team will provide detailed instructions on diet, medication, wound care, dressing care and instructions for returning to school and activities. A follow up appointment will be scheduled one week after surgery to check incisions and monitor mobility.

Surgical Options in Your Community

Spine surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is now available at our Woodlands campus, with plans for further expansion to West Campus.