Observational study on The Tether™ device for scoliosis in the UK
Official title: The Tether™ - Vertebral Body Tethering System Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up Study in UK
Run by Highridge Medical · NCT05830825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing the safety and benefits of The Tether™ device in patients with progressive idiopathic scoliosis to see how it helps them after spine surgery over five years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 0 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Highridge Medical Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 3 sites (London and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 18, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 2033 |
| Study ends | December 2033 |
| Registry record updated | July 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05830825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are skeletally immature patients diagnosed with progressive idiopathic scoliosis who have not benefited from bracing.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior spinal surgery at the treatment level or those who are skeletally mature will likely not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to gather data on the safety and potential benefits of The Tether™ device in patients with progressive idiopathic scoliosis, specifically those with Lenke Type 1 curves. Participants will undergo spine surgery involving the device and will be monitored for five years post-surgery through regular follow-up visits. The study will enroll patients over a 36-month period and will assess outcomes at various intervals to ensure comprehensive data collection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the long-term safety and effectiveness of The Tether™ device for treating scoliosis without fusion.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is relatively novel, previous studies on vertebral body tethering have shown promising results in similar patient populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of progressive idiopathic scoliosis; * Skeletally immature, based on both Risser (\<5) and Sanders (\<8) assessments; * Major Cobb angle ≥30° and ≤65°; * Osseous structure dimensionally adequate to accommodate screw fixation, as determined by radiographic imaging; * Failed bracing and/or be intolerant to brace wear; * Lenke Type 1 curves (i.e., main thoracic); * Signed Informed Consent Form by legal guardian or by the patient if ≥ 16 years old. * The decision to treat patients with The Tether™ - VBT System was made by the patient's clinician outside of this research Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any systemic infection, local infection, or skin compromise at the surgical site; * Prior spinal surgery at the level(s) to be treated; * Known poor bone quality defined as a T-score -1.5 or less; * Skeletal maturity; * Any other medical or surgical condition which would preclude the potential benefit of spinal surgery, such as coagulation disorders, allergies to the implant materials, and patients unwillingness or inability to cooperate with post-operative care instructions; * Unwillingness, inability, or living situation (e.g., custody arrangements, homelessness, detention) that would preclude ability to return to the study site for follow-up visits as described in protocol and Informed Consent; * Patients who are pregnant at the time of enrollment.
Where it's running
-
Saint George's Hospital
London, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Freeman Hospital
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Recruiting -
University Southampton Hospital
Southampton, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Bernard, MD — Saint George's Hospital, London
- Study coordinator: Delphine Lebrasseur-Longuet
- Email: ClinicalEMEA@highridgemedical.com
- Phone: +33 626262240
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This trial tests whether tranexamic acid can reduce blood loss and the need for transfusions in children aged 10–18 having surgery for idiopathic scoliosis.
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Post-market follow-up of the NEMOST V2 spinal implant
This project will try the NEMOST V2 growing domino in children aged 5–17 with progressive scoliosis to track safety and device performance over five years.
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Diffusion in the growing spine: ADC of the intervertebral disc in children
This study tests whether MRI diffusion measurements in the intervertebral disc can help understand differences between scoliotic and healthy children.
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Breathing muscle training for children and teens with idiopathic scoliosis during Schroth therapy
This project will see if adding inspiratory muscle training to Schroth therapy helps 11–16-year-olds with idiopathic scoliosis breathe better, tolerate exercise more, and strengthen their core.
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High-resolution MRI of paravertebral (back) muscles in children with idiopathic or neuromuscular scoliosis
We will use a short, extra high-resolution MRI to see if differences in the deep back muscles are linked to scoliosis in children aged 10–17 with idiopathic or neuromuscular forms.
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Schroth method with and without core stabilization exercises for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis
This trial tests whether adding core stabilization exercises to the Schroth method helps teens (ages 10–18) with mild idiopathic scoliosis reduce spinal curve, build back endurance, increase chest mobility, and improve quality of life.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.