Congenital Scoliosis Correction with Hemivertebra Excision

A 14-year-old girl presented with a severe and rigid congenital spinal deformity caused by a hemivertebra and an associated bony bar. Due to the abnormal development of the vertebrae, the spinal curve had become stiff and progressive, affecting overall spinal alignment and posture.

After a thorough clinical evaluation and advanced imaging studies, a customized surgical plan was designed to correct the deformity and restore spinal balance.

Understanding the Condition

Congenital scoliosis occurs when the spine does not develop normally before birth. A hemivertebra, which is a partially formed vertebra, can create an abnormal spinal curve. Additionally, a bony bar may develop between vertebrae, restricting growth on one side of the spine and making the curve more rigid.

As children grow, these abnormalities can lead to worsening spinal deformity, uneven shoulders, trunk imbalance, and reduced spinal flexibility. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential.

Surgical Correction Performed

To achieve optimal correction, the patient underwent a complex spinal deformity correction procedure that included:

Hemivertebra Excision

The abnormal hemivertebra was completely removed to eliminate the primary source of the spinal deformity.

Bony Bar Removal

The bony bar restricting spinal growth was carefully excised, allowing improved flexibility and better correction of the curve.

Multilevel Facetectomy

Facetectomy was performed at multiple spinal levels to release rigid spinal segments and facilitate realignment of the spine.

Spinal Stabilization

Following correction, spinal instrumentation and fixation were used to maintain proper alignment and ensure long-term stability.

Outcome

The surgery resulted in significant correction of the spinal deformity and improved overall spinal balance. Furthermore, the procedure helped prevent future progression of the curve while enhancing posture and functional outcomes.

Conclusion

This case highlights the successful treatment of a stiff congenital scoliosis curve in a 14-year-old girl through hemivertebra excision, bony bar removal, and multilevel facetectomy. With advanced spinal deformity correction techniques, excellent alignment and long-term spinal stability were achieved, helping the patient move toward a healthier and more active future.