ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal surgical opportunity timing of posterior hemivertebra resection by comparing the outcomes of surgical treatment for congenital spinal deformity in patients at different ages. MethodsBetween January 2007 and Februay 2013, 36 cases of congenital hemivertebra scoliosis underwent one-stage posterior hemivertebra resection and segmental instrumentation fixation and fusion. There were 22 males and 14 females, with an average age of 16.8 years (range, 5-48 years). The patients were divided into 3 groups:group A (≤10 years, n=7), group B (10-20 years, n=22), and group C (>20 years, n=7). There was no significant difference in gender, segment, type, and complication among 3 groups (P>0.05). Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films were taken before and after operation to measure the scoliosis Cobb angle, kyphosis Cobb angle, and C7 plumb line-center sacral vertical line (C7PL-CSVL). The improvement rate was calculated. And the perioperative and long-term complications were recorded. ResultsThe operation time of group A was significantly less than that of group C (P<0.05); the intraoperative blood loss of group B and group C were significantly more than that of group A (P<0.05); and the fixed segments of group B and group C were significantly more than those of group A (P<0.05). Thirty-six cases were followed up 7-62 months (mean, 31.3 months). No poor wound healing, pedicle cutting, pseudoarticulation formation, and other complications occurred during the follow-up. At last follow-up, 31 patients obtained a balance of double shoulders and double hips. The scoliosis Cobb angle, kyphosis Cobb angle, and C7PL-CSVL at immediate after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 3 groups (P<0.05). The scoliosis Cobb angle at last follow-up of group B was significantly larger than that of group C, the kyphotic correction rate at immediate after operation was significantly larger in groups A and C than in group B, the kyphotic correction rate of group B at last follow-up was significantly less than that of group C, and C7PL-CSVL correction rate of group A at immediate after operation was significantly larger than that of group B, all showing significant differences (P<0.05). ConclusionEarly one stage posterior hemivertebra resection is safe and effective, especially in patients who had no formation of structural compensatory bending and spinal stiffness, which can shorten the operation time and reduce the fixed segments and intraoperative hemorrhage. Influence on the growth and activity of the spine is relatively small.