Congenital scoliosis

The management of congenital scoliosis requires a systematic approach with careful attention to detail. Any fortuitous diagnosis of vertebral anomalies in infancy, even if there is no significant scoliosis at that time on x-ray, requires frequent clinical and radiographic follow-up to detect progression. The presence of associated anomalies of the spinal cord, the kidneys and the heart should be evaluated by MRI, renal ultrasound or IVP, with cardiology evaluation as indicated. Curve progression or severe vertebral anomalies known to cause curve progression require immediate treatment to prevent deformity. Significant thoracic deformity, especially in a patient with thoracic insufficiency syndrome, is best treated with expansion thoracoplasty. The patient with congenital scoliosis requires a long term commitment to care with frequent orthopaedic follow-up throughout the growing years along with routine pulmonary function assessment once the patient is able to cooperate with testing.