The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 57, Issue 4 456-466, Copyright © 1975 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Progression of congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebrae and hemivertebrae with bars
RJ Nasca, FH Stilling and HH Stell
From 315 cases of congenital scoliosis seen from 1925 to 1970, sixty cases
of scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due only to a hemivertebra, hemivertebrae,
or a unilateral bar associated with the hemivertebrae were selected,
classified into six types, and analyzed. Progression occurred in all but
the balanced hemivertebrae group in two patients with cervical-high
thoracic curves due to multiple hemivertebrae. Location of the hemivertebra
or hemivertebrae and the presence of unilateral bars are the major
determinants of deformity. The rate of progression of the scoliosis was
variable, ranging from 1 to 33 degrees per year (average, 4 degrees per
year).