Apifix

Throughout the ever-changing treatments for scoliosis a new approach has become a possible option and has been done a couple times recently in Australia. The more common approach to scoliosis in younger patients when their curves are detected early is bracing which has not got a good reputation for getting 100% correction in larger curves. Although bracing is good as it is not invasive the results are not what is wanted long term. This is where Apifix has come in as it is like an internal brace helping to get good correction but mixed with a tether and spinal fusion. Apifix helps to stabilise the curve on one side of the spine and corrects with growth. It consists of three screws on joints that move to allow for more movement than a fusion.

Apifix displayed showing how it attaches to the spine

Apifix is very new and upcoming operation for younger patients with moderate curves. The patient must have adolescent idiopathic scoliosis for Apifix. This means there must be no known cause for the curve and no underlying health or spinal issues and the curve must be under 60.

Factors considered for Apifix

The curve type right for Apifix to the left and the post op X-rays on the left with the Apifix implant acting like an internal brace to correct the curve over time like a tether would