Hemivertebral excision for congenital scoliosis

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 10 consecutive patients treated with hemivertebral excision for congenital scoliosis at The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO, between 1982 and 1992. Follow-up consisted of physical and radiographic examination and averaged 54 months (range, 4-111). Age at surgery ranged from 9 months to 10 years, 5 months (average, 3 years, 11 months). Hemivertebra levels were between T12 and L3. The average preoperative curve measured 40 degrees (range, 20-55 degrees); the average at latest follow-up was 16 degrees (range, 3-37 degrees). We found hemivertebral excision for congenital scoliosis to be a safe and effective means of treatment. Curve correction averaged 67% and seemed to be greatest in those less than 4 years of age at the time of surgery.