Congenital Scoliosis
“Congenital” means that one or more spinal segments did not develop properly during pregnancy. At times, the bones are triangular shape instead of a rectangle (causing the spine to tilt). Other times, the vertebra are tethered on one side, causing them to curve toward the connections. It is common for more than one bony abnormality to occur. Since these problems arise during pregnancy, it is common for other organ systems to be involved, too. As the embryo develops in the womb, certain common areas differentiate into all of our various organs. Therefore, depending on when the problem occurred, few or many systems can be involved.
We use the following phrase to remember the possible associations:
V - Vertebral problems
A - Anus malformations
T - Trachea (wind pipe)
E - Esophagus (swallowing tube)
R - Renal (kidneys)
If you would like more information about how the spine and limbs develop, read Dr. Rinella’s chapter on Embryology.
Treatment
Most of the time, no treatment is necessary. Bracing is typically not recommended because it will not correct the shape of an abnormal vertebra.
Most of the time, no treatment is necessary. Bracing is typically not recommended because it will not correct the shape of an abnormal vertebra.
Surgery is recommended only if the abnormal vertebra cause a progressive and significant tilt in the spine. We are often able to remove the abnormal vertebra to restore spinal alignment, and fuse as few segments as possible.
Diagnosis
Abnormalities are often found soon after birth on chest xrays or other imaging studies. It is important to monitor the bones during growth to make sure the spine stays balanced. Spine specialists work closely with other physicians to make sure the other organ systems are healthy, too. If one or more of the abnormal vertebrae tilt the body significantly, we may obtain other imaging studies to learn more about the problem.
Abnormalities are often found soon after birth on chest xrays or other imaging studies. It is important to monitor the bones during growth to make sure the spine stays balanced. Spine specialists work closely with other physicians to make sure the other organ systems are healthy, too. If one or more of the abnormal vertebrae tilt the body significantly, we may obtain other imaging studies to learn more about the problem.
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