Convex Anterior and Posterior Hemiarthrodesis and Hemiepiphyseodesis in Young Children with Progressive Congenital Scoliosis

Ten children with progressive congenital scoliosis have been treated by convex anterior and posterior epiphyseodesis and arthrodesis. The average curve was 54 degrees, the average age at surgery 3 years, 10 months, and the average follow-up 2 years, 9 months. There were no complications. The curve progression was halted in all cases, no fusion mass bending has been observed to date, and two patients have shown evidence of spontaneous curve improvement. Follow-up for several more years will be necessary before definitive conclusions can be reached.