NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City performs Abu Dhabi's first-ever minimally invasive vertebral body tethering (VBT) surgery for scoliosis correction

In a groundbreaking medical milestone, NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City successfully performed the first-ever vertebral body tethering (VBT) surgery in the UAE, offering a revolutionary approach to scoliosis correction and spinal deformity treatment.

The pioneering procedure was led by Dr Ziad Aljian, senior consultant spine surgeon and scoliosis expert, who holds a German Board certification in orthopedic spine surgery and has over 20 years of experience in the field.

The patient, an 11-year-old child diagnosed with severe thoracolumbar scoliosis, faced a progressive spinal deformity resulting in a pronounced thoracic hump, severe lung compression, and misalignment of the shoulders and pelvis that caused a tilt. Given the child’s continued growth and worsening condition, a timely and innovative intervention was necessary as a traditional spinal fusion was not suitable in this specific case.

Following thorough consultations with the patient's family, including the father, a fellow doctor, Dr. Aljian and his team opted for vertebral body tethering (VBT) - an advanced, minimally invasive surgical technique. The procedure was performed successfully using small incisions, minimising post-surgical discomfort and ensuring a quicker healing process and recovery.

Unlike traditional spinal fusions, which halts the spine's growth, VBT allows the spine to continue growing naturally while correcting its curvature overtime. This procedure involves placing a flexible tether along the spine, providing dynamic correction and ensuring the spine remains mobile and flexible as the child grows. This preservation of natural growth makes VBT a revolutionary treatment option for pediatric scoliosis, offering not just spinal correction but an improved quality of life.

"VBT represents a breakthrough for scoliosis care in the UAE, allowing young patients to maintain mobility while effectively correcting spinal deformities," said Dr Ziad Aljian. "By using a minimally invasive approach, we significantly reduce hospital stays, accelerate recovery, and enable our patients to return to normal activities much faster. I am proud to bring this cutting-edge technique to NMC Healthcare."

NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, which houses a specialised Spine and Orthopedics Department is recognised for offering cutting-edge spinal treatments. NMC Healthcare has been at the forefront of spinal care, with its hospitals, including NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda, Dubai, adopting robotic-assisted spine surgery and minimally invasive spinal procedures.

The successful implementation of VBT at NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi underscores its commitment to providing medical excellence in advanced spine surgery to the UAE.