For the first time in Utah, surgeons have implanted a new titanium rib in two young children with congenital scoliosis, to correct their spinal deformities.
The unique device not only straightens the spine but also enlarges the chest cavity, preventing damage to the lungs.
Science Specialist Ed Yeates reports from Primary Children's Hospital where the surgeries were performed.
The two kids - one age 3, the other 10-months old - are doing very well following the surgeries.
The beauty of this new titanium rib will be measured as the children grow into their teenage years.
Doctors from around the country arrived in Salt Lake yesterday to get a close look at the two kids who went through surgery today.
The titanium rib called VEPTR is in two parts. The smaller one lengthens the chest cavity - allowing the lungs to grow normally.
The second, longer beam is anchored to the natural rib and spine. Stretching and straightening occurs gradually as the child grows.
John Smith, M.D. / University of Utah Orthopedics: "IT DOES SO BY ACTUALLY - NOT ONLY CORRECTING THE CURVE ITSELF BUT INCREASES THE DIAMETER AND VOLUME OF THE CHEST CAVITY. AND IT DOES SO WITHOUT REQUIRING A SPINAL FUSION."
Professor of orthopedics at the University of Utah, John Smith, and Robert Campbell from the University of Texas showed doctors how the device is attached and how well it's worked so far in limited implants in San Antonio.
That's where Dr. Campbell invented the ribs. The first crude prototype went into a patient with a severe curvature - who was dying!
Robert Campbell, M.D. / University of Texas: "TO OUR AMAZEMENT, HE NOT ONLY SURVIVED, BUT HE GOT OFF HIS VENTILATOR AND WENT ON TO GROW NORMALLY."
At Primary Children's Hospital, 10-month-old Max Bell from Draper was the first to go into surgery. Visiting surgeons watched the procedure, which took about two hours.
Though his spine is severely curved, he's getting the rib early enough before the lungs or kidneys are damaged.
Jill Bell / Max's Mother: "WE'RE REALLY LUCKY WE'RE IN SALT LAKE AT THIS TIME WHEN THEY'RE STARTING THE PROCEDURE AND HE'S AT THIS AGE."
As Max grows, doctors will adjust the rib every six months - but it's done quickly as an outpatient procedure.
CAMPBELL: "AND THEN AS THE CHILD GROWS, SIX MONTHS LATER, WE GO BACK IN AND UNLOCK IT AT THIS POINT AND AT THAT POINT - AND MAKE IT LONGER."
Want to see a good outcome? Seven-year-old Braydon Burns from Logan was one of those patients who got an implant in San Antonio. Look at him now - straight as an arrow!
The rib is left in the child until they reach their teenage years. At that time, it can be removed and the spine partially fused to make the repair permanent.
May 1, 2002
