How are you taking part in this consultation?

You will not be able to change how you comment later.

You must be signed in to answer questions

    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    3 Committee considerations

    The evidence

    3.1 NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 11 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 1 meta-analysis, 3 non-randomised comparative studies, 6 case series and 1 case report. It is presented in the summary of key evidence section in the interventional procedures overview.

    3.2 The professional experts and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: improvement in quality of life and lung function, reduction in scoliotic curve, and maintenance of spinal mobility.

    3.3 The professional experts and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: pain, bleeding, infection, tether rupture, and need for further surgery.

    3.4 Patient commentary was sought but none was received.

    Committee comments

    3.5 The committee was informed that:

    • This procedure is indicated for patients with progressive scoliosis who still have significant growth potential.

    • This procedure does not preclude a subsequent posterior spinal fusion if indicated.

    • This procedure may be done when more conservative treatment such as bracing has failed.

    • There is more than 1 device available for this procedure.

      Tom Clutton-Brock
      Chair, interventional procedures advisory committee
      March 2022

      ISBN: