Congenital scoliosis.

Congenital scoliosis, those scoliotic deformities owing to congenitally anomalous vertebrae, was for many years the least understood of the major causes of scoliosis. This was a result of the wide variety of anomalies, the variable natural history, the poor results of bracing, and the meager correction obtained at surgery. The past 20 years have, however, brought major understandings about the natural history and far better programs of treatment. This article provides a summary of these advances for the reader and defines the current state of understanding.