congenital scoliosis, an abnormal condition present at birth, characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. It results from specific congenital rib and vertebral anomalies. The causative and pathological characteristics of congenital scoliosis are divided into six categories. Category I is associated with partial unilateral failure of the formation of a vertebra. Category II is associated with complete unilateral failure of the formation of a vertebra. Category III is associated with bilateral failure of segmentation with the absence of disk space. Category IV is associated with the unilateral failure of segmentation with the unsegmented bar. Category V is associated with the fusion of ribs. Category VI is associated with any condition not covered in the other categories. Category IV scoliosis seems to progress more rapidly and cause the greatest degree of deformity. The degree of obvious deformity caused by congenital scoliosis depends on the cause of the disease. The deformity increases with growth and age, usually progressing slowly during periods of slow growth of the trunk of the body. Treatment of congenital scoliosis may be surgical or nonsurgical. Some kinds of nonsurgical treatment techniques are exercise programs and use of orthotic devices, such as scoliosis splints or a Milwaukee brace. Surgical intervention in this disease may involve an anterior or a posterior spinal fusion. In a few individuals, additional procedures, such as spinal osteotomy, use of the Harrington rod, or halo traction, may be required. See also scoliosis.
