Pediatric Vertabra

Congenital scoliosis is a condition characterized by vertebral deformities that occur due to anomalies before birth. Although it is a congenital condition, shape abnormalities are usually observed during infancy. These deformities can manifest as scoliosis or kyphosis.

Symptoms may include excessive hair growth in the lower back, skin problems, spinal deformities, and balance issues.

The frequency of congenital scoliosis coexisting with other organ anomalies is relatively high.

Congenital scoliosis is generally progressive. There may not always be signs during infancy, but as the child continues to grow, the curvature tends to worsen. Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for this reason.

Since nervous system abnormalities can accompany deformities in congenital scoliosis, it is important to be cautious when dealing with infants who have neurological problems. Evaluation of factors such as the type of deformity, its location, age, etc., can provide information about the course of the disease.

After diagnosing congenital scoliosis, the patient undergoes detailed consultations to determine if any other anomalies are present. Additionally, MRI and CT scans of the entire spine are performed to investigate any spinal cord issues that may be associated. Follow-ups should be conducted every 6 months, and if there is progression during these check-ups, timely surgical intervention can prevent further complications. The goal of treatment is to achieve early diagnosis and, if necessary, early surgical intervention, to correct the deformity if it has developed, to prevent deformity if it hasn’t, to preserve the spine’s growth potential, to facilitate chest cage development, and to protect lung and heart functions. There are various treatment methods available for congenital scoliosis cases, and the choice of treatment depends on the abnormalities present in the patient.

Treatments should be determined on a case-by-case basis.