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Published in: Pediatric Radiology 4/2015

01-04-2015 | Pictorial Essay

Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR): a review of indications, normal radiographic appearance and complications

Authors: Shawn E. Parnell, Eric L. Effmann, Kit Song, Jonathon O. Swanson, Viviana Bompadre, Grace S. Phillips

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 4/2015

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Abstract

Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) is increasingly used in the treatment of thoracic insufficiency, idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis and chest wall defects in children. In contrast to spinal fusion surgery, the VEPTR allows for growth while stabilizing the deformity. We illustrate the common indications and normal radiographic appearance of the three common configurations of VEPTR (cradle-to-cradle assembly, cradle with lumbar extension assembly, cradle-to-ala hook assembly). There is a relatively high rate of reported complications with VEPTR in the literature. We discuss the potential complications of VEPTR, including infection, rib fracture, dislodged hardware and neurological injury, with an emphasis on imaging diagnosis.
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Metadata
Title
Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR): a review of indications, normal radiographic appearance and complications
Authors
Shawn E. Parnell
Eric L. Effmann
Kit Song
Jonathon O. Swanson
Viviana Bompadre
Grace S. Phillips
Publication date
01-04-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Radiology / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-014-3128-4

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