• Daniel Zarzycki, Maciej Tesiorowski, Tomasz Potaczek, Barbara Jasiewicz, Wojciech Kacki, Ewa Lipik, and Krzysztof Lokas.
• Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Collegium Medicum, Klinika Ortopedii i Rehabilitacji w Zakopanem.
• Prz. Lek. 2008 Jan 1; 65 (7-8): 329-31.

UnlabelledCongenital spine and thorax deformities are an interdisciplinary clinical problem. Apart from trunk deformity they may lead to respiratory or cardiovascular insufficiency. Surgical treatment should be implimented as soon as possible in order to improve posture, balance and further development. This treatment should not impair further growth of the young spine. This is possible with the VEPTR device.Aim Of PaperAim of paper is presentation of initial results of surgical treatment of congenital spine deformities with the VEPTR system.Material, MethodsWe treated 3 patients, aged 5 to 14. All had severe congenital spine and thorax deformities. The VEPTR device was implanted in the following configurations: rib-rib in two patients and spine-rib in one patient. We evaluated: Cobb angle of the main curve, spine balance, respiratory function before and after surgical treatment. Followup was 12 months.ResultsPosture and balance of the spine improved in all patients. Curve correction was from 10% to 71%. In one patient with initial respiratory insufficiency symptoms subsided gradually.ConclusionVEPTR device is indicated in treatment of severe congenital deformities of the spine and thoracic cage. It improves patients' posture, changes the shape of thorax wall and consecutively improves respiratory function and further development.

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