Seven children who had congenital scoliosis due to a single, fully
segmented lumbar hemivertebra were treated with single-stage anterior and
posterior vertebral resection and arthrodesis. The scoliosis averaged 47
degrees preoperatively, 14 degrees postoperatively, and 15 degrees
(approximately 70 per cent correction) after an average follow-up of 45.6
months. Four patients had thoracolumbar kyphosis preoperatively, and it
remained unchanged at the most recent follow-up examination.
Postoperatively, a cast was worn for twelve to sixteen weeks, after which a
brace was applied. There were no neurological deficits, infections, deaths,
or pseudarthroses. The combined procedure was well tolerated and, in the
limited period of follow-up, the congenital scoliosis did not progress.