Vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis in children and young people

Status:

In progress

Technology type:

Procedure

Decision:

Selected

Decision publication date:

26 February 2026

Prioritisation programme:

HealthTech

Rationale:

Review of existing guidance: IPG728 - Vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis in children and young people

ID number:

1557

Description:

Scoliosis is the abnormal curving and twisting of the spine. About 2 to 3% of the population are estimated to have scoliosis (Scoliosis Support Research, 2025). Usually, it develops in childhood and early adolescence and has no known cause (idiopathic). Mild to moderate scoliosis does not usually cause any health problems but severe scoliosis that affects the position of the ribs and chest wall can cause significant pain and lung problems. Treatment options depend on age, how severe the curve is, and whether it is getting worse. If conservative options like external bracing do not work, spinal surgery may be suitable for people with severe or progressive scoliosis. During spinal fusion surgery, the bones in the abnormally curved part of the spine are fused together and held in place with metal rods. But this surgery usually stops the spine from growing and restricts spinal mobility. If the child or young person is still growing, growing rods may be surgically inserted instead of fusion surgery, to act as an internal brace. These rods are solid so they restrict spinal mobility, and surgical revisions may be needed to extend the rods as the person grows. In vertebral body tethering, a flexible cord is fixed (tethered) to screws in the vertebral bodies (bone discs that make up the central part of the spine) and pulled taut, partially correcting the curve. Over time, the cord restricts growth on the long side of the curve and allows the spine to grow faster on the short side. The aim is to preserve the flexibility and motion of the spine whilst the curve gradually -corrects as the person grows. This is a review of NICE’s guidance on vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis in children and young people. This is an interventional procedures assessment which aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the procedure.

Provisional Schedule

Final scope:

20 October 2026

Project Team

Project lead

Corrina Purdue

Email enquiries

If you have any queries please email HealthTech3@nice.org.uk

Timeline

Key events during the development of the guidance:

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