Vertebral Body Tethering in an Adult With Lumbar Idiopathic Scoliosis: Rationale and 6-Year Outcomes

CASE: We report a case of adolescent-onset idiopathic scoliosis of the lumbar spine in a 43-year-old woman treated with nonfusion vertebral body tethering (VBT), a controversial and unreported technique in this age group. At 6-year follow-up, clinical and radiographic improvements are maintained. She continues to live an active lifestyle and reports being pain free. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate intermediate term safety and efficacy of VBT in a single adult patient. Careful ongoing assessment of this patient is needed to determine if this procedure will have a durable outcome and lend support for adequately powered prospective multicenter studies.