Anterior vertebral tethering: imaging of tether rupture

Anterior vertebral tethering, also known as vertebral body tethering, is an evolving, minimally invasive surgical technique to correct spinal curvature in skeletally immature patients. The procedure involves placement of vertebral screws that are connected by an anterolateral tether. This procedure may be complicated by rupture of the non-radiopaque tether. The radiologist should be aware of imaging findings that suggest this complication on follow-up spine radiographs.