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Unusual association of congenital kyphosis and conus lipoma presenting as a double spinal cord tether

Carlos A Aguiar1, Sergio Mendoza-Lattes, Peter Cobb

  • 1Hospital Pequeno Principe, Ortopedia Pediatrica, R. Desembargador Motta, 1070 Curitiba, Parana, Brasil.

The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal
|October 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This case study details a child with congenital kyphosis and tethered cord syndrome. Surgical intervention successfully reversed paraparesis, highlighting effective treatment for spinal cord compression.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Spinal Deformity Correction

Background:

  • Congenital kyphosis and tethered cord syndrome can lead to progressive neurological deficits in children.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing spinal cord compression.

Observation:

  • A four-year-old child presented with cervicothoracic deformity and paraparesis.
  • Imaging revealed severe congenital kyphosis, hypoplastic T3 vertebra, tethered filum terminale, and conus lipoma causing spinal cord compression.

Findings:

  • Surgical release of the tethered cord and conus lipoma removal were performed.
  • Subsequent kyphectomy and upper thoracic fusion addressed the spinal deformity.
  • Complete reversal of paraparesis was achieved post-operatively.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates the successful management of complex spinal conditions in pediatric patients.
  • The staged surgical approach highlights a viable strategy for treating severe spinal cord compression due to congenital deformities.

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