Hemivertebra Excision for Congenital Scoliosis

Hemivertebrae result from a failure of complete formation of the vertebral body and present as a challenging clinical entity. Progression and ultimate curve magnitude is associated with the degree of segmentation. An accurate assessment and a close follow-up are necessary to make appropriate treatment decisions. The goal of any intervention is to stop progression and provide the smallest degree of deformity at skeletal maturity. If a high degree of deformity is anticipated, intervention should be attempted sooner rather than later. In these cases, an in situ fusion may be appropriate. Single-stage hemivertebra excision is an effective method of both correction and stabilization; however, the procedure is technically demanding.