ASC vs. VBT vs. Metal-Rod Fusion: A Guide for Patients and Families
August 3, 2026
Compare Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC), VBT, and metal-rod fusion. Learn how each corrects scoliosis, who qualifies, and why motion preservation matters.
Over the years, Dr. Antonacci, Dr. Betz, and Dr. Cuddihy have performed more ASC procedures than any team worldwide. Their experience extends beyond the operating room, and they train spine surgeons across the U.S. and internationally.
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The surgeons at the Institute for Spine & Scoliosis are widely recognized as pioneers in Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC). They helped shape the technique from its early stages and continue to lead its development, offering a motion-preserving option for children, teens, and adults with progressive curves.
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In the 1990s, metal rod fusion became widely used for treating “low back pain.” Many surgeons relied on MRI findings, such as disc desiccation, dehydration, degeneration, herniations, arthrosis, and stenosis, as signs that surgery was needed.
Dr. Scott D. Boden’s groundbreaking research changed that view. His study showed that these MRI findings are common in people with no symptoms at all.
This shifted the field’s understanding: disc changes are often a natural part of aging, not always a problem that requires fusion.
The following are published peer reviews on ASC by ABC’s technique. We published on our most severe cases (>65 to 90 degrees) which showed 92% to 96% clinical success at least 2 years from surgery, and on average had 78% corrections with very low revision rates, outperforming VBT and Metal Rod data.
Double Screw-Line Technique of Anterior Scoliosis Correction with Thoracic Disc Releases for Thoracic Curves > 65 Degrees: Surgical Techniques and Outcomes
Treatment of Mature/Maturing Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (Sanders ≥ 5) Using a Unique Anterior Scoliosis Correction Technique
Treatment of Patients with Scoliosis Using a Unique Anterior Scoliosis Correction Technique
Anterior Scoliosis Correction with Intervertebral De-Tethering Releases for the Treatment of Patients 5 to 10 Years of Age with Early Onset Scoliosis
“ASC by Drs. ABC is our multi-year, multi-generational advancement of our original techniques of Anterior Fusion, VBT, and Stapling since 2013, which we now find vastly superior to posterior metal rod fusion in our practice. Because of our pioneering evolution (four U.S. Technique Patents) of ASC by Drs.ABC, there’s virtually no curve that in our opinion wouldn’t be better served with ASC by Drs. ABC over posterior metal rod fusion which by design destroys 100% of the functionality of your back muscles” — Dr. A.
This map shows a world-view of the hundreds of cases of ASC by Drs. ABC. All of the locations are general and do not include any personal information. Privacy is our main focus over accuracy. Locations may be in a generic spot; this includes public areas such as parks, business districts, or waterways.
With medical licensure in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, Dr. Antonacci has been granted hospital privileges at some of the finest medical centers in the northeast United States.
Recorded April 2023. This interview is for educational purposes and covers information provided by Dr. Darryl Antonacci regarding ASC by Drs. ABC and the advancements they have pioneered. It presents the Concepts and Data supporting the use of ASC by Drs. ABC over Posterior Metal Rods, VBT or hybrids.
Founders & Pioneers of ASC: The Flexible Scoliosis Surgery
Anterior scoliosis correction brings innovation and personalization to spinal treatment. Drs. Antonacci, Betz, and Cuddihy pioneered this advanced technique for correcting the abnormal curvature of the spine brought on by scoliosis and have successfully treated over 1000 patients worldwide in their Lawrenceville, NJ, office.
To find out if ASC surgery is right for you, speak to our scoliosis and spine specialists today.
“ASC by Drs. ABC is our multi-year, multi-generational advancement of our original techniques of Anterior Fusion, VBT, and Stapling since 2013, which we now find vastly superior to posterior metal rod fusion in our practice. Because of our pioneering evolution (four U.S. Technique Patents) of ASC by Drs.ABC, there’s virtually no curve that in our opinion, wouldn’t be better served with ASC by Drs. ABC over posterior metal rod fusion which by design destroys 100% of the functionality of your back muscles” — Dr. A.
Combined Years of Experience
Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC) surgeries performed on adults and children
Awards, Honors, Nominations, Patents
Unlike posterior metal rod surgery which 100% scars your back muscles and destroy their function, Anterior Scoliosis Correction by Drs. ABC 100% saves your back muscles and function. ASC by Drs. ABC can be performed on individuals aged 4 to 50 with curves measuring from 40 to over 90 degrees.
ASC by Dr. ABC gets better corrections with greater clinical success (See our Data). Patients with severe curvatures of the spine or stiff and mature spines may be candidates for ASC by Drs. ABC just as much as young patients with flexible scoliosis.
ASC by Drs. ABC is less invasive and muscle-sparing, with lower blood loss (<1-2% transfusion rates), negligible infection rates, and optimized recovery times compared to published Metal Rod results.
Additionally, ASC by Drs. ABC preserve the growth, mobility, and flexibility of our patients’ spines. At six to eight weeks, most patients are released to sports, and live life unencumbered by a rigidly stiff spine (like they would with posterior metal rod spinal fusion). If you’re interested in learning if ASC is the ideal solution for you or your child, submit your case for review. Any doubts, watch Dr. Antonacci’s interview above.
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ASC preserves back-muscle strength and spine flexibility. Instead of rigid metal rods and fusion, ASC uses flexible cords and a front (anterior) approach, which avoids destroying discs or stiffening the spine.
Hospital stay after ASC is commonly around five days. Many patients begin to walk within the first few days and return to normal daily activities within a few weeks. Full recovery (including a return to all regular activities and solid spinal healing) typically takes between six months and a year.
Yes. ASC can be used in patients from childhood through adulthood. This gives both children and adults access to a motion-preserving, spine-saving option.
Surgery may be considered when the spinal curve is significant, progressing, or not corrected by bracing, and when it begins to affect posture, balance, or quality of life.
A consultation with experienced scoliosis specialists is the best way to determine if ASC is a good fit, especially given that ASC applies to certain curve types and severities.
Our team includes the pioneers of ASC, with extensive experience treating hundreds of scoliosis cases using this technique. Because ASC preserves muscle and spinal motion while achieving strong results, patients often benefit from fewer limitations, quicker recovery, and better long-term spinal function.
Compare Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC), VBT, and metal-rod fusion. Learn how each corrects scoliosis, who qualifies, and why motion preservation matters.
Drs. M. Darryl Antonacci, Randal R. Betz and Laury A. Cuddihy are world-class scoliosis surgeons treating local New Jersey families along with patients with scoliosis from all over the world.
Drs. M. Darryl Antonacci, Randal R. Betz and Laury A. Cuddihy are world-class scoliosis surgeons treating local New Jersey families along with patients with scoliosis from all over the world.
Drs. M. Darryl Antonacci, Randal R. Betz and Laury A. Cuddihy are world-class scoliosis surgeons treating local New Jersey families along with patients with scoliosis from all over the world.
Drs. M. Darryl Antonacci, Randal R. Betz and Laury A. Cuddihy are world-class scoliosis surgeons treating local New Jersey families along with patients with scoliosis from all over the world.