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Congenital or infantile scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that’s present at birth. It normally occurs in 1 out of 10,000 newborns and is much less common than other forms of scoliosis. Children with congenital scoliosis can sometimes have other health issues, or the abnormality can go unnoticed until adolescence.
During fetal development, the spine and vertebral column develops first as a single column of tissue and later becomes segmented to form the bony vertebrae. Sometimes a vertebra will not completely form, becoming what is known as a hemivertebrae. This vertebra will cause a sharp angle in the spine and a curvature that can worsen as a child grows. The abnormality can occur at 1 vertebra in the spine or many vertebrae.
If during this time of vertebral development, the tissue does not fully separate, it may result in a partial fusion (bars) between vertebrates. As a result, as the child grows, the connection will prevent the spine from growing evenly and properly, resulting in a curve. Both failures of separation and incomplete formation can occur together.
Congenital scoliosis is usually not painful and is normally detected during routine exams when a child reaches adolescence. Physical signs include:
If your child has symptoms of congenital scoliosis, your doctor will recommend other tests to check for abnormalities, including:
When a child grows, the curve can get worse, making the deformity more noticeable. Therefore, children with a small curve are monitored to make sure the curve does not progress. A doctor will schedule appointments every 6–12 months to monitor the curve.
Bracing and casting are rarely used. When they are used, they help control the part of the spine that does not have vertebral defects.
The abnormal segments of the spine are fused together to create 1 continuous solid bone. The growth of the spine is stopped, and it prevents the curve from progressing and getting worse.
The abnormal vertebrae are removed, partially correcting the curve. Metal implants are placed to help stabilize the surrounding segments as they fuse together.
For young children with significant curves, rods are attached to the spine and/or ribs to control the curve and to allow the spine to continue to grow. The rods are lengthened every 6–8 months until the child is fully grown, at which time a spinal fusion is performed.
We provide exceptional care to patients and their families, putting children in the best hands for successful diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.