Original ArticleComplications in using the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) in children

PurposeThis report describes complications using the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) for thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS) at a single center.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort evaluating 65 patients with rib-rib and rib-spine VEPTR devices for TIS placed between 10/2001 and 11/2014, for children with spinal or chest wall deformity. Patients were classified using the early onset scoliosis classification system (C-EOS).Results65 patients are available for follow up. 23 congenital scoliosis, 12 neuromuscular, 14 syndromic, 2 idiopathic and 14 not classifiable by the C-EOS system including 11 chest wall reconstructions. Average age at implantation was 6.9 years (range 1.3-24.8) with average follow up 6.9 years (range 0.4-14.8). 22 patients had 37 complications. Those classifiable by C-EOS had complications in the normo- and hyperkyphotic groups. Implant erosion and infection were most common. The majority of complications required one additional unplanned surgery for resolution. Two complications required abandonment of a growth-friendly strategy.ConclusionsUse of VEPTR for TIS is associated with significant and frequent complications. C-EOS suggests that complications are more likely in those with normal or hyperkyphotic curves. Most complications are managed with one unplanned surgery. VEPTR is usually salvaged and abandonment of a growth-friendly strategy is unusual.