Evidence-Based Treatment for Congenital Scoliosis

Abstract

Management of congenital scoliosis begins with the recognition of the patterns of congeni-tal anomalies and the anticipation of the risk of deformity progression. The natural history and prognosis of a patient with congenital scoliosis can vary considerably as illustrated by many of the early descriptive reports. Despite a variety of different surgical strategies that have been described for congenital scoliosis to date, very little evidence exists supporting the most ideal management strategy from timing of intervention to most appropriate surgi-cal technique, to efficacy of the available procedures in altering the natural history of con-genital scoliosis. This chapter will outline the available literature, its limitations, and whether evidence-based recommendations can be made around treatment strategies for con-genital scoliosis.