The Treatment of Spine and Chest Wall Deformities With Fused Ribs by Expansion Thoracostomy and Insertion of Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib

Expansion thoracostomy and VEPTR insertion with serial lengthening may be the preferred treatment for young children with chest wall deformity and scoliosis associated with fused ribs but requires multidisciplinary care and attention to details of soft tissue management. When indicated, surgical intervention with VEPTR can be considered early in growth, before deformity is severe, since spinal growth will continue with treatment.