Posterior Excision of Hemivertebrae; The Presence of a Hemilamina may be Misleading

Congenital scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that results from the differing growth potential of vertebral anomalies present at birth. It can lead to severe progressive spinal deformity. The different types of vertebral body anomaly that are associated with congenital scoliosis have been classified based on the appearance of plain radiographs [1-3]. No treatable cause for the vertebral anomalies that result in congenital scoliosis has been identified. Predictions can be made about the severity of the resultant spinal deformity based on classification of the anomalies present, and a knowledge of their natural history [1,4]. Decisions regarding surgical treatment are based on knowledge of the natural history and likely resultant deformity.