An unusual case of spinal dysraphism with four splits including three posterior spurs

Composite-type split spinal cord malformation (SCM) is very rare and results from 2 separate foci of ectoendodermal adhesions and endomesenchymal tracts leading to the development of SCM with an intervening normal cord in the same patient. Posterior spurs are even rarer. We report a unique case of composite SCM, where the patient had 3 posterior bony spurs and 1 fibrous spur at different levels. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient having composite-type SCM with posterior spurs at 3 different levels.

A 3-year-old girl presented to us with progressively worsening scoliosis. Neurological examination was unremarkable except for mild weakness in the left lower limb. Three-dimensional CT imaging demonstrated posterior bony spurs located at T(6), T(12) and L(3) levels. The patient underwent T(11)-L(5) laminoplasty and T(5)/T(6) laminectomy and excision of SCM type 1 with division of the thickened filum terminale. All the bony spurs arose from the inner surface of the lamina, where the base of the spur was located.

The unique point of this case report is the rarity of such a presentation. Careful planning and knowledge of the occurrence of such conditions can make surgery in these children safe, and all the levels can be treated in a single setting.