07/25/2026
This was a complex case I did a while back. Patient was a 13-year-old girl with severe congenital scoliosis with THREE same-sided congenital hemivertebra causing increasing spinal deformity, pain, and imbalance. The 3D CT scan helped us to meticulously plan her procedure. We decided to correct all of her deformity on a single day. I did a left T11 hemivertebrectomy, followed by a T2 "smushectomy" (Y-shaped 3 column osteotomy), then correcting the remainder of the spine with a posterior instrumented fusion spanning the third hemivertebra at T5. A long day for sure, but we were able to achieve a perfectly balanced spine in all planes. Most importantly, she has maintained this correction over time and is all smiles in follow up! I am so honored that families trust me with their children for surgery. When I see that they are living their lives pain-free and standing straight, I know all of the hard work was worth it.
Posted with permission.
