Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, can significantly impact a person’s posture, balance, and quality of life, especially when present from birth. One such condition, congenital scoliosis, arises due to malformations in the spine during fetal development. A hemivertebra is a common cause of this, where a part of the vertebra fails to develop completely, leading to an asymmetric spinal curve that worsens over time.
This is the story of a 17-year-old girl who battled congenital scoliosis caused by a hemivertebra at the L4 level, and how timely surgical intervention helped transform her life.
The young girl came to our clinic with complaints of:
A hemivertebra is a wedge-shaped vertebra that disrupts the normal alignment of the spine, often resulting in progressive scoliosis. When left untreated, especially in growing children and adolescents, the curvature tends to worsen with age, leading to severe spinal imbalance, chronic pain, restricted lung function, and psychosocial challenges.
In this patient’s case, the hemivertebra at L4 created a significant lumbosacral curve that affected the natural biomechanics of the spine, causing pain, a tilted posture, and aesthetic concerns.
After thorough evaluation and counseling, Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti , a leading spine deformity correction specialist, recommended surgical correction to prevent further progression of the curve and relieve her symptoms.
The chosen surgical approach was:
This approach was chosen for its effectiveness in correcting deformity while preserving spinal mobility, especially important in a young and active patient.
The surgery was performed with high precision under intraoperative neuromonitoring to ensure spinal cord safety. Post-operatively, the patient:
Post-surgical rehabilitation included physiotherapy and core-strengthening exercises to enhance flexibility and prevent recurrence. Regular follow-ups ensured her spine healed well, and her quality of life improved substantially.
Congenital scoliosis, especially with a hemivertebra, demands early detection and appropriate treatment. Surgery at the right time can:
Delaying surgery in such cases can lead to rigid deformities, nerve compression, and increased difficulty in surgical correction later.
Dr. Bhupendra Pratap Bharti , Best Spine Surgeon in Delhi , is renowned for his expertise in managing complex spinal deformities with minimally invasive and precise surgical techniques. His patient-centric approach ensures every child or adolescent receives care tailored to their physical and emotional needs.