Results of Cobb angle measurements in patients with congenital scoliosis using X-ray images in the frontal plane could be reproduced with almost the same measurement variance (3°-4° measurement error) using 3D-CT images. This suggests that X-ray images are clinically useful for assessing any type of congenital scoliosis about measuring the Cobb angle alone. However, since 3D-CT can provide more detailed images of the anterior and posterior components of malformed vertebrae, the volume of information that can be obtained by evaluating them has contributed greatly to the development of strategies for the surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis.

Therapeutic study, Level IV, (case series, no comparison group).

VEPTR treatment improved thoracic symmetry, controlled spinal deformity, and was associated with improved clinical respiratory function.

The survival rate in JS with surgery was nearly 70% (compared with 70% to 80% mortality without treatment) with less ventilator dependence. Both C1 stenosis and scoliosis are common in JS. Spinal height in JS is normal. Complications are frequent, but tolerable in view of the clinical gains and increase in survival.