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Hospital
Koç University Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey · JCI · Mayo Clinic Network
Method
VTB
Non-fusion · Motion-preserving · FDA-approved system
Indications
Adolescents
Ages 10–16 · Cobb angle 30–65° · Idiopathic scoliosis
Cost
From €20,000
Surgery · hospital stay · tests · physiotherapy
About VBT Scoliosis Surgery
VBT scoliosis surgery, also known as Vertebral Body Tethering, is a modern surgical technique used to treat idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents without rigid spinal fusion.
Unlike traditional spinal fusion, VBT allows the spine to be corrected while preserving movement. The method uses the child’s remaining growth to gradually guide the spine into a straighter position over time.
How VBT Differs from Traditional Spinal Fusion
01
Preserved Mobility
With spinal fusion, the vertebrae are permanently fixed together. VBT keeps the spine flexible, allowing the teenager to remain active and return to sports after recovery.
02
Continued Growth
Spinal fusion stops growth in the fused section of the spine. VBT uses the child’s natural growth as part of the correction process.
03
Smaller Incisions
Spinal fusion usually leaves a long scar on the back. VBT is performed through 3–4 small side incisions, which usually means less pain and faster healing.
How Vertebral Body Tethering Is Performed
Before Surgery
The spine surgeon carefully reviews MRI scans and X-rays taken in several projections. The Cobb angle, curve flexibility using side-bending X-rays, and skeletal maturity according to the Risser scale are assessed. The surgeon calculates the exact number of vertebral levels to be tethered and the required tension of the flexible cord.
During Surgery
The child lies on their side. The surgeon uses a thoracoscopic approach, inserting a small camera and instruments through small incisions in the chest wall. Titanium anchor screws are fixed to the vertebral bodies, and a flexible polyethylene tether is passed through them. The tether is tightened, and the first stage of correction is visible immediately in the operating room.
After Surgery
The implant remains inside the body. As the teenager continues to grow, the tether slows growth on the convex side of the spine, while the concave side continues to grow more freely. The curve gradually improves over time. The optimal and final result is usually assessed after 1–3 years.
Who Is Suitable for VBT Surgery?
diopathic scoliosis — not congenital and not neuromuscular.
Age 10–16, while the child is still actively growing.
Cobb angle from 35° to 65°, confirmed by X-rays.
Flexible spine, where the curve corrects by at least 30–40% on bending films.
Skeletal maturity: Risser grade 0–2, meaning growth plates are still open.
Progressive scoliosis despite regular use of a Chêneau brace.
Who Is Not Suitable for VBT Surgery?
Skeletal growth is already complete, Risser grade 4–5, meaning there is no remaining growth potential for guided correction.
Cobb angle is greater than 65°. In these cases, spinal fusion or ASC may be considered.
The spinal curve is rigid and does not correct sufficiently on bending X-rays.
What If Growth Is Complete or the Curve Is Greater Than 65°?
For these cases, ASC — Anterior Scoliosis Correction — may be considered. ASC is an advanced anterior scoliosis correction technique used for more severe curves and for patients with a more mature skeleton. The spine is still not fused, and mobility may be preserved. The surgeon will consider this option after reviewing your child’s scans.
Why Patients Choose Koç University Hospital
Koç University Hospital in Istanbul is a leading academic medical centre. In 2024, it became the first full Mayo Clinic Care Network member in Europe.
VBT scoliosis surgery is performed by a specialised surgical team focused on complex paediatric orthopaedics and spinal deformity correction. The hospital is equipped with hybrid operating theatres for thoracoscopic procedures.
During surgery, intraoperative neuromonitoring is used to track spinal cord signals in real time. This helps reduce the risk of neurological complications and supports safer correction.
Spine Center Surgical Team at Koç University Hospital
Operations are performed by a team of specialised surgeons with extensive experience in complex spine surgery, including Vertebral Body Tethering for scoliosis.
Cost of VBT Scoliosis Surgery at Koç University Hospital
Medical programme cost: from €20,000. The exact price depends on the number of spinal levels that need to be tethered. This is determined by the surgeon after reviewing the scans.
Preoperative diagnostics: X-ray, MRI, ECG, blood tests
Thoracoscopic VBT scoliosis surgery
Full implant set: anchor screws and flexible tether
General anaesthesia and neuromonitoring
Hospital stay for 5–7 days
Interpreter, transfer, and medical coordinator
Contact Us
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Email: info@saulyk.com
Phone: +90 506 801 03 77
How the Trip Is Organised: From Scans to Discharge
01
Online Evaluation
You send MRI and X-ray images. The surgeon reviews them and provides an opinion within 48 hours: whether VBT is suitable and what the exact estimate will be. The consultation is free of charge.
02
Arrival and Preparation
We help you choose convenient flights and book a hotel. You are personally met at the airport. On the first day, tests are performed, final imaging is completed, and an in-person consultation takes place.
03
Surgery and Hospital
VBT scoliosis surgery is usually performed on the second day. The procedure takes 2.5–4 hours. Within 24 hours, acute pain is controlled with medication, and a professional physiotherapist begins working with the child.
04
Discharge and Follow-Up
By the end of the hospital stay, the teenager is usually walking independently. After discharge, you stay at the hotel for the final check-up, receive translated medical recommendations, and can safely return home.
