Congenital Spinal Anomalies

Congenital spinal anomalies can occur spontaneously, due to maternal exposures or genetic variances. They are often associated with systemic abnormalities with underlying syndromes. Scoliosis can occur due to failure of formation, failure of segmentation, or a combination with rapid progression. Treatment options include observation with bracing, spinal fusion with or without correction, vertebrectomy, or growing rod constructs. Complications include crankshaft phenomenon, neurologic injury (especially with kyphotic deformity), soft tissue injury, or short stature.