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A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
Craniocervical instability in an infant with partial sacral agenesis
W A Thiryayi1, L M Alakandy, P A Leach
1Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|May 18, 2007
Summary
Sacral agenesis, a rare condition, can present with craniocervical junction abnormalities. This case highlights the challenges in managing craniocervical instability in young children with this rare association.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sacral agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Craniocervical junction abnormalities are seldom associated with sacral agenesis.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old girl presented with short stature and was diagnosed with partial sacral agenesis.
- She also exhibited significant craniocervical instability with odontoid peg anomalies.
Findings:
- Genetic testing revealed a normal karyotype.
- Conservative management with a cervical orthosis was initially employed.
- Neurological morbidity necessitated surgical decompression and stabilization at age three.
Implications:
- This case underscores the extreme rarity of combined sacral agenesis and craniocervical instability.
- Optimal surgical strategies for young children with this rare association present significant challenges.
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