title: Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR): a review of indications, normal radiographic appearance and complications.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA, shawn.parnell@seattlechildrens.org.
authors.forename: Shawn E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Parnell
authors.forename: Eric L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Effmann
authors.forename: Kit
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Jonathon O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Swanson
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bompadre
authors.forename: Grace S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D012272:Ribs; D000069322:Self Expandable Metallic Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D014025:Titanium