Hemivertebra excision. A, Pedicle is entered with standard pedicle probe and expanded with series of increasing sized curets; this often creates a hole large enough to see into. B, Cross-section of hemivertebra. Medial wall of pedicle (black arrow) is second-to-last thing to be removed. Posterior wall of vertebral body is last thing to be removed by pushing anteriorly, away from neural elements (white arrow). In this case, not only are inferior disc and endplate removed, but also some of vertebral body is removed to maximize correction. SEE TECHNIQUE 44.39.