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Hemivertebrae: a comprehensive review of embryology, imaging, classification, and management

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to comprehensively review hemivertebrae in regard to their classification, embryology, etiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and management of this developmental anomaly.

Methods

This subject review of hemivertebrae was composed after conducting a thorough review of the available literature on this topic using PubMed and other standard search engines.

Results

Hemivertebrae are incomplete vertebral column segments that can result in congenital scoliosis and be associated with a range of other structural anomalies. Presentations may differ and based on location and classification, treatments may vary.

Conclusion

Hemivertebrae are structural anomalies of the vertebral column that can potentially disrupt the spine’s normal curvature. Their clinical impact depends on factors such as degree of segmentation and concurrence with other structural anomalies. It is hoped that this review will provide the clinician who treats patients with hemivertebrae a resource in better understanding this finding and its subsequent pathological effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University, True Blue, St. George’s, Grenada

    Jaspreet Johal & Marios Loukas

  2. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA

    Jaspreet Johal & R. Shane Tubbs

  3. Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA

    Christian Fisahn, Jens R. Chapman & Rod J. Oskouian

Authors
  1. Jaspreet Johal
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  2. Marios Loukas
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  3. Christian Fisahn
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  4. Jens R. Chapman
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  5. Rod J. Oskouian
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  6. R. Shane Tubbs
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jaspreet Johal.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest.

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Johal, J., Loukas, M., Fisahn, C. et al. Hemivertebrae: a comprehensive review of embryology, imaging, classification, and management. Childs Nerv Syst 32, 2105–2109 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-016-3195-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-016-3195-y

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