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Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome
Children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS) cannot support normal breathing or lung growth. As they grow, their rib cage and spine do not keep pace. As a result, their chest wall becomes deformed (sunken) and the children must rely on nasal oxygen or ventilator support to breathe.
Orthopaedic surgeons at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provide world-class care to children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome, through vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) surgery. By inserting an expandable titanium rib into the child's chest wall and expanding it slowly twice a year, the chest wall expands, providing room for lung growth.
Our team of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, pediatric thoracic surgeon, pulmonologist, nurse practitioner and physician assistant provides complete care, from evaluation to implant surgery, expansion surgeries, and postsurgical treatment.
Thoracic insufficiency syndrome and VEPTR surgery resources
The following resources provide more information about thoracic insufficiency and VEPTR surgery:
- Thoracic insufficiency syndrome: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
- Asphyxiating Thoracic Dystrophy: eMedicine
- The VEPTR Web site
Jeune's syndrome
- National Organization for Rare Disorders — Jeune's syndrome
- Jeune's syndrome support group
- Jeune's Syndrome Family Foundation
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To schedule an evaluation for your child, please call 215-590-1527.
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