Hemivertebrae may be progressive and result in significant spinal deformity and truncal imbalance. The development of the deformity is dependent upon the nature of the deformity, the site of the deformity, the age of the patient, and potential for future growth. Addressing the deformity early is essential to prevent serious structural deformity and prevent the development of compensatory curvature. Hemivertebrectomy of the lumbar spine is an accepted technique in the treatment of congenital spinal deformity. It is technically demanding, and the technique affords excellent and immediate correction of the deformity with restoration of proper spinal balance.
⁎Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
†Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Address reprint requests to John P. Dormans, MD, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2nd Floor, Wood Building, 34th and Civic Centre Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104
ABSTRACT