Congenital scoliosis

Congenital scoliosis is a deformity of the developing spine that results from defects in vertebral development. The developmental etiologies may be classified as either a failure of formation, a failure of segmentation, or a mixture of these two modes of maldevelopment. Early detection and close surveillance of congenital scoliosis is critical, as a rapidly progressive curve may lead to significant deformity, pulmonary restriction, and neurologic problems if not treated. Early surgical treatment is often necessary for rapidly progressive curves. Curr Opin Pediatr 2000, 12:61-66 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.