We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 10 consecutive patients treat
ed with hemivertebral excision for congenital scoliosis at The Childre
n's Hospital, Denver, CO, between 1982 and 1992. Follow-up consisted o
f physical and radiographic examination and averaged 54 months (range,
4-111). Age at surgery ranged from 9 months to 10 years, 5 months (av
erage, 3 years, 11 months). Hemivertebra levels were between T12 and L
3. The average preoperative curve measured 40 degrees (range, 20-55 de
grees); the average at latest follow-up was 16 degrees (range, 3-37 de
grees). We found hemivertebral excision for congenital scoliosis to be
a safe and effective means of treatment. Curve correction averaged 67
% and seemed to be greatest in those less than 4 years of age at the t
ime of surgery.