Three-dimensional vertebral shape changes confirm growth modulation after anterior vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis

To evaluate three-dimensional (3D) vertebra and disk shape changes over 2 years following anterior vertebral body tether (AVBT) placement in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Patients with right thoracic IS treated with AVBT were retrospectively evaluated. 3D reconstructions were created from biplanar radiographs. Vertebral body and disk height (anterior, posterior, left and right) and shape (wedging angle) were recorded over the three apical segments in the local vertebral reference planes. Changes in height and wedging were measured through 2 years postoperatively. Change in patient height was correlated with changes in the spine dimensions. Forty-nine patients (Risser 0–3, Sanders 2–4) were included. The mean age was 12.2 ± 1.4 years (range 8–14). The mean coronal curve was 51 ± 10° preoperatively, 31 ± 9° at first postoperative time point and 27 ± 11° at 2-year follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean patient height increased 8 cm by 2 years (p < 0.001). The left side of the spine (vertebra + disc) grew in height by 2.2 mm/level versus 0.7 mm/level on the right side (p < 0.001). This differential growth was composed of 0.5 mm/vertebral level and 1.0 mm/disk level. Evaluation of the change in disk heights showed significantly decreased height anteriorly (− 0.4 mm), posteriorly (− 0.3 mm) and on the right (− 0.5 mm) from FE to 2 years. Coronal wedging reduced 2.3°/level with 1.1°/vertebral level change and 1.2°/disk level. There was no differential growth in the sagittal plane (anterior/posterior height). Patient height change moderately correlated with 3D measures of vertebra + disk shape changes. Three-dimensional analysis confirms AVBT in skeletally immature patients results in asymmetric growth of the apical spine segments. The left (untethered) side length increased more than 3 × than the right (tethered) side length with differential effects observed within the vertebral bodies and disks, each correlating with overall patient height change.