title: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Endoscopic thoracoplasty technique.
abstract: METHODS
  The study of two patients whose rib deformity was treated using a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique is reported.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To report a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique for the treatment of rib deformities associated with idiopathic scoliosis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Thoracoplasty has traditionally been performed as an open procedure, often necessitating additional incisions and/or tissue dissection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two children with significant rib humps associated with idiopathic scoliosis were treated with a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both children showed dramatic cosmetic improvement of their rib deformity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The indications for the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric spinal deformity are expanding. We have extended our video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery repertoire to include endoscopic thoracoplasty for treatment of rib deformities associated with idiopathic scoliosis. The technique for endoscopic thoracoplasty is discussed, and illustrative cases are presented.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Mehlman
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Wolf
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012272:Ribs / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording