Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves and twists out of alignment and often worsens over time without treatment.
For decades, posterior metal rod fusion has been the standard surgical option. This approach permanently fuses the spine, destroying spinal discs and back (paraspinal) muscle function and limiting movement to the areas above and below the rods.
ASC by Drs. ABC offers a different approach. It is not VBT, and it is not a posterior metal rod fusion.
ASC uses a modified anterior scoliosis correction technique that actively corrects the spine in three dimensions while fully preserving back muscle function. Developed through multiple generations of refinement, this approach evolved from earlier methods such as fusion, stapling, and tethering.
ASC by Drs. ABC has shown success in both children and adults with moderate to severe scoliosis curves. Have your case reviewed to see if this option may be right for you.
VBT is an anterior technique for treating scoliosis, but it relies on the effects of natural spinal growth because it provides only partial correction. A tether is used to hold the spine around 25-30 degrees. This form of spine straightening surgery is only performed on patients with small curves (65° or below), flexible curves, and incomplete spinal growth.
Unfortunately, it is a very limited procedure applying to only about 10% of scoliosis patients, but even in this group has reported revision rates have been reported between 15 and 30%. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that VBT provides very limited de-rotation of the scoliosis, which means it’s essentially a limited 2D correction. The limitation of the correction leads to high revision rates for the surgery.
With so many downsides to posterior metal rod surgery or VBT, it became clear that an advancement was needed. For this reason, Dr. Antonacci, Dr. Betz, and Dr. Cuddihy pioneered the advancement of anterior scoliosis correction using the traditional approach to anterior scoliosis surgery, but with modern modifications.
ASC* | VBT | |
| Curve 40-65 degrees | Yes | Yes |
| Flexible Curves | Yes | Yes |
| Growing Spine | Yes | Yes |
| Curves over 65 degrees | Yes | No |
| Stiff Curves | Yes | No |
| Mature Adolescents | Yes | No |
| Adult Curves | Yes | No |
| Complex Curves | Yes | No |
| *uniquely pioneered by Drs. ABC | ||
Teenagers with unsuccessful brace treatment or those who refused to have posterior metal rod surgery grow up to be adults with the residual effects of adolescent scoliosis. This may include posture imbalance, daily nagging discomfort, dissatisfaction with their back appearance, and fear of curve progression. Many have been waiting for a way to help them improve their quality of life! These healthy adults can now benefit from ASC by Drs. ABC. Each case is individually reviewed. Adult onset scoliosis due with advanced spinal degeneration (typically adults over 55) is NOT appropriate for ASC surgery.
Pediatric scoliosis is a condition in which a child’s spine develops an abnormal curve or rotation. If not corrected, the condition can worsen as the child ages. For this reason, early detection and treatment are vital. Dr. Antonacci specializes in ASC surgery for children and has years of experience correcting spinal abnormalities in growing adolescents. He is ready to review your child’s case and recommend an effective treatment plan.
ASC (Anterior Scoliosis Correction) provides a flexible approach to correcting scoliosis
Drs. ABC at the Institute for Spine & Scoliosis are the most qualified and experienced scoliosis surgeons in the world. They have successfully corrected hundreds of cases of scoliosis in children and adults using Dr. Antonaicci’s innovative anterior scoliosis correction technique. You can review before and after-surgery photos for a glimpse of this technique at work or request to have your case personally reviewed by Dr. A.
We would be happy to help you determine if you would be a good candidate for ASC. Contact us today!
Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC) and Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) are both anterior approaches, but they are not the same.
VBT relies on growth modulation and is typically limited to younger patients, with higher revision rates reported in some cases. ASC uses an active anterior correction technique designed to address spinal curvature and rotation directly and is used in both children and adults.
Candidates for ASC often include children, adolescents, and adults with moderate to severe scoliosis who want correction without spinal fusion. Candidacy depends on factors such as curve type, curve flexibility, spinal balance, and overall health. A detailed case review is required to determine eligibility.
ASC is performed through an anterior (front-of-spine) approach. The technique corrects the spine in three dimensions by addressing both the curve and the rotational deformity while preserving the back muscles. The goal is correction with maintained spinal motion rather than rigid fusion.
Recovery varies by patient, but many people begin walking shortly after surgery and gradually return to daily activities over several weeks. Physical activity is increased in stages, with full recovery typically taking several months, depending on age, curve severity, and individual healing.
ASC has been performed in both pediatric and adult patients with a track record of successful outcomes when properly selected. As with any surgery, risks exist, which is why patient selection, surgical experience, and individualized planning are of the utmost importance.
No. Unlike procedures that rely on spinal growth, ASC can be performed in skeletally mature patients. Adults with flexible or moderately stiff curves may still be candidates after proper evaluation.
ASC is designed to preserve spinal motion. Because it does not involve fusion or posterior muscle disruption, many patients retain greater flexibility compared to traditional metal rod fusion surgery.
ASC corrects scoliosis without spinal fusion, preserves back muscle function, maintains motion, and addresses the spine in three dimensions. It offers an alternative for patients seeking correction without permanent rigidity.
Drs. ABC have performed ASC for many years, refining the technique through multiple generations of surgical advancement and long-term follow-up in both children and adults.
Request a case review by contacting our practice directly or submitting your imaging and medical information through the website. Each review is handled individually to determine whether ASC may be appropriate.