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Aims This study was undertaken to describe the pattern of vertebral, intraspinal and other organ anomalies in patients with congenital scoliosis and to determine the correlation between them. Methods Complete medical and radiological records of 227 consecutive patients with congenital scoliosis were analysed. The radiographs were examined for type of vertebral anomaly, location and severity of deformity. The median curve progression index (MCPI) was calculated in 198 patients. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the whole spine was analysed to detect the presence of cord abnormalities. The presence of other organ-system anomalies was also noted. The independent sample t test was used to compare severity of deformity between those with and without cord anomalies. The Chi-square test was used to compare frequency of cord abnormalities in different vertebral and organ-system anomalies. Results Hemivertebra with contralateral bar had the highest MCPI, while block vertebrae and wedge vertebrae had the lowest MCPI. Forty-eight patients had 83 cord anomalies. There was no statistically significant difference in severity of deformity, between those with and without cord anomalies. Failure of segmentation had the highest frequency of cord anomalies (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the frequency of cord anomalies between those with and without other organ defects. Conclusion Curve progression can be predicted by the underlying vertebral abnormalities. However, it cannot predict cord and other organ-system anomalies. Thus, all patients with congenital scoliosis must undergo MRI of the spine, electro- and echocardiography and ultrasonography of the abdomen to detect occult abnormalities and optimize the patient prior to deformity correction.

Occurrence of nasal, cutaneous and disseminated rhinosporidiosis in the same patient is uncommon and involvement of calcaneum is rare. Rhinosporidial osteomyelitis is treated surgically, but multiple recurrences and local spread are common. Many a times, surgical ablation or amputation of the involved area of the limb is carried out to prevent recurrences. We present a case of rhinosporidial osteomyelitis of the calcaneum with a chronic discharging sinus and large lytic lesion in the calcaneum treated by an alternative surgical option in the form of debridement and negative pressure wound therapy.