What is the congenital abnormality of the spine characterized by the incomplete development of one side of the vertebra?

The congenital abnormality characterized by the incomplete development of one side of a vertebra is known as a hemivertebra. This condition results in a wedge-shaped vertebra, which can lead to spinal deformities. Hemivertebrae typically occur during fetal development and can result in various issues with spinal alignment and stability as the individual grows.

In contrast, scoliosis refers to a lateral curvature of the spine, which may not necessarily originate from a congenital cause, while kyphosis and lordosis describe different curvatures of the spine related to the thoracic and lumbar regions, respectively. None of these conditions specifically denote the incomplete development aspect of a single vertebra like hemivertebra does. Understanding these distinctions is key in diagnosing spinal abnormalities accurately.