Dr. Joshua Pahys and Dr. Steven Hwang, Vertebral Body Tethering, interviewed by Dr. Derek Lee.

[@DerekLee]

This interview is for educational purposes and covers information provided by Dr. Joshua Pahys and Dr. Steven Hwang regarding there opinions on Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) and scoliosis fusion surgery. This video is not an endorsement. Viewers should consult their physicians and treating team accordingly. See highlights via timestamps below. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:30 Career paths to orthopedic and neurosurgeon. 3:56 Dr. Pahys' scoliosis journey. 5:50 Paths to Shriners Hospital for Children Philadelphia. 7:02 Is scoliosis surgery different from a neurosurgery vs orthopedic surgery perspective? 8:42 Scoliosis case consultations & collaborations. 10:26 Shriners Philadelphia is an open/transparent environment. 11:18 Halloween Research!! 11:42 Collaboration between Shriners hospitals and surgeons is unique. 13:33 First exposure to Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT). 14:50 Number of VBT surgeries performed. 15:46 Scoliosis patient assessment process. 18:06 Current VBT parameters. 20:24 Tether breakage and revision rates for VBT. 23:04 Motion studies of VBT and fusion patients. 23:30 Motion is similar for both thoracic VBT and fusion. 24:09 Selective thoracic fusion and effect on lumbar levels. 26:32 Determining if a lumbar curve is compensatory. 28:02 Curves that respond best to VBT. 28:50 VBT and control of rotation (rib hump). 30:04 VBT and sagittal alignment & rotation. 31:14 Use of double tethers and loss of mobility. 32:38 VBT curve correction and spine flexibility. 33:55 Perspective on disc release. 37:44 Larger stiffer curves put more tension on the tether. 38:59 Post-VBT activity recommendations. 40:21 Post-VBT activity leading to tether breakage. 42:04 New tether?? 43:34 Dr. Hwang's Actus Tether System. 44:25 The future of scoliosis treatment. drdereklee.com Facebook VBT/ASC/Tethering Support Groups: Canada: facebook.com/groups/60224... USA: facebook.com/groups/Scoli... UK: facebook.com/groups/12878...

[@sandraacuna2241]

Dr Pahys is my daughter Dr since 2017,even we live in Colorado we usted to go to Shirners in Philadelphia since she has spinal Cord Injury, now she is 13 and is time for her spine fusion ,we are really debating if we want to go there or stay in Colorado, but definitely Dr Pahys has more my trust since He looks very reachable to talk to and I feel He really do has passion for what He does and care for his patients. Hope we can decide soon. Thanks Dr Pahys!!

[@melissaborchardt9232]

We haven't had a chance to meet Dr. Pahys yet, but Dr. Hwang is amazing and humble.

[@melmcgregor8646]

Thank you for this video. I’m 39 and just had ACDF C5-C6. I was fused at the age of 12 back in 1995 with moss-Miami instrumentation from thoracic to L4. I am now to be fused next month L4-S1. My daughter was just diagnosed with mild levoscoliosis of 15 degrees at the age of 11-1/2, after I asked for a scoliosis panel of X-rays. This is the beginning of my long road of research ahead as these methods were not available when I was going through this. We are in Indiana and looking for a scoliosis specialist. Keep doing what you do with research and advocating for the brighter future of scoliosis patients. Sincerely, Melanie

[@DerekLee]

Thanks for your kind words. :) For subscribers, I will be posting a scoliosis research user guide to help parents and patients with scoliosis find reliable info.