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Abstract

Sixty cases of congenital scoliosis over a 13-year period were studied. The female:male ratio was 1.4:1. The deformity usually presented itself first either at 2 or 8-13 years of age. A positive family history was present in five cases, and parental consanguinity was observed in 40% of patients. Five patterns of deformity were recognized. Hemivertebra was the most common type, and unilateral unsegmented bar with contralateral hemivertebra was the most severe and most progressive pattern of deformity. Thoracic curves were more prevalent while larger curves were more commonly seen in the thoracolumbar area. The curves measured >40 degrees in 70% of the patients who had reached maturity. The curve progression index was 9 degrees for unilateral unsegmented bar with contralateral hemivertebra, and 6 degrees without contralateral hemivertebra. This index was 1.5 degrees for hemivertebra and complex type of deformity, and 0.5 degrees for block vertebra. Unbalanced fully segmented hemivertebra was next after the two types of unsegmented bars in terms of potential for progression. Presence of fused ribs on concave side of lower thoracic curves increased the rate of curve progression. Spinal dysraphism, diagnosed in 20% of cases, was the most commonly associated anomaly.

Brace treatment can serve as a time-buying tactic for patients with congenital scoliosis

“…Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a rare type of spinal deformity secondary to congenital vertebral malformation (CVM) with an incidence of 0.1% approximately [1]. Usually, the severity of the congenital scoliosis is dependent on CVM type, location and number, as well as the patients’ age [2–4]. Previous studies have demonstrated that most congenital scoliosis may be progressive [5–7].…”

Revision surgery after pregnancy in a patient with congenital kyphoscoliosis

“…Occasionally, patients present with large deformities that require more significant procedures. [2] Statistics indicate that the female:male ratio is 1.4:1, [3] meaning that more than half of patients are women. Therefore, many patients who are treated with surgery will face pregnancy and delivery.…”

Five known tagging DLL3 SNPs are not associated with congenital scoliosis

“…[4,5] Studies reported that 3.4% families had at least 2 members with a congenital spine deformity [6] and 1 positive family history was present in 5 cases. [7] Wynne-Davies [8] identified a sibling recurrence risk of 2% to 3% in multiple vertebral defect patients from a study of 300 patients with CS. Multigenerational CS in 1 family was also reported.…”