The Doctors: VATER Syndrome
A young boy named Clayton is inspiring, according to his mother. While he was in the womb, doctors found that he had VATER Syndrome, causing a malformed chest. VATER stands for Vertebrae, Anus, Trachea, Esophageal & Renal. For the first five years of his life, his skeletal problems caused breathing difficulties and other problems.
Finally her doctor referred her to a specialist in Texas who wanted to create Titanium Ribs for Clayton. The patient explained that the rod “connects from your shoulder to your rib” to hold him up. He was facing multiple surgical procedures, and at age 15 has already been on the operating table 41 times. This procedure offered hope that his constant medical issues might subside.
New VEPTR Titanium Ribs can help patients with spinal and skeletal problems.
The Drs TV: VEPTR Review
Dr. Travis showed the Titanium Ribs, called VEPTR, which stands for Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib. It’s designed to help the body learn to expand the ribcage, but it has to be replaced about every six months, because the patient outgrows the device and needs a larger one.
The Doctors shared video of the surgery where Clayton’s prosthetic rib was being removed by Dr. James W. Simmons.There was hammering and sawing as they removed the hooks keeping the implant in place.
The Doctors: Clayton’s Spinal Surgery
After the surgery, Clay spent three months in Halo traction to correct the curvature of his spine. The Halo seemed to be working properly, but doctors did another surgery to tweak the spine and use screws to help straighten his posture.
I don’t know about you, but I would be very nervous to have screws implanted and wedges removed from my spine. But I don’t know what it’s like to have this type of condition, and I’m sure I would do whatever it took to overcome my obstacles.
The Doctors: Spinal Surgery Vs Construction Work
Dr. Simmons explained that, just like in a construction project, doctors make the guide holes for a screw before putting it in place. They removed some bone for clearer access and were careful not to let the screws break the bone.
I’m not sure if that’s comforting, but it is definitely relatable. The surgery was intended to help him stand up straighter, and Clay hoped he’d be standing taller in the end.
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