1. The standard methods used in the treatment of acquired curvatures of the spine are not adequate for the correction or the prevention of scoliosis which results from congenital anomalies of the spine.
2. Two cases are reported in which nearly all of each hemivertebra was successfully removed with marked correction of the spinal curvature.
3. Since the deformity in these cases is usually progressive, due to the more rapid growth of a number of the asymmetrically developed vertebrae, fusion of the lateral halves of two or more of the vertebral bodies on the convex side of the curvature to check the rate of longitudinal growth would appear to be a rational and justifiable procedure.
4. The fusion of vertebral bodies rather than laminae in the treatment of certain cases of other types of scoliosis in growing children has been suggested.
5. Final judgment of the efficacy of the procedure described cannot be given until many years have elapsed.