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Figure 1: A small child
with a T5 hemi-vertebra
(wedged vertebra)
causing a left-sided curve.
The body compensates
with an additional curve
in the lower thoracic spine
(ribbed vertebrae). Normal
vertebrae are rectangular
with two oval “pedicles”
connecting the back of the
vertebra to the front.

Congenital Scoliosis

Overview
The term “congenital scoliosis” refers to a spinal deformity caused by vertebrae that are not properly formed. This occurs very early in development – in the first six weeks of embryonic formation - often before the mother even knows she is pregnant. The cause is unknown. Congenital scoliosis does not run in families. Although it is often discovered during the infant or toddler period, some curves may not be diagnosed until the adolescent years. The curves tend to progress only while the child grows, unless adjacent (compensatory) curves become significant in size (see Figure 1).

Spinal deformity surgeons describe congenital spinal anomalies based on which part of the vertebra is malformed or connected. Depending on the structure of the anomaly, the child may exhibit scoliosis (a curve to the right or left), kyphosis (round back), or lordosis (sway back). However, not all congenital anomalies fit neatly into these categories. There are often elements of more than one deformity, particularly scoliosis and kyphosis occurring together.

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Kyphosis