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Published on: July 21, 2013
Split cord malformation: experience from a tertiary referral center.
Alp Özgün Börcek1, Ozgür Ocal, Hakan Emmez
1Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. alpborcek@gmail.com
Pediatric Neurosurgery
|July 25, 2013
Summary
Surgical treatment for spinal split cord malformation (SCM) is recommended for all patients to prevent neurological decline. This study confirms surgical intervention is effective and safe for SCM treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Malformations
- Neurological Surgery
Background:
- Spinal split cord malformation (SCM) is a congenital anomaly requiring careful management.
- Understanding the clinical, radiological, and follow-up features of SCM is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical, radiological, and follow-up characteristics of 34 patients with spinal split cord malformation (SCM).
- To evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for SCM in a pediatric tertiary referral center.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 34 pediatric patients diagnosed with SCM between April 2000 and March 2012.
- Exclusion criteria included follow-up less than 6 months, open spinal dysraphism, and prior surgery elsewhere.
- Data collected included age, sex, clinical presentation, radiological findings, complications, and surgical results.
Main Results:
- The cohort included 19 females and 15 males (2 months–15 years).
- Skin stigma was the most frequent presentation (76.5%). Lumbar SCM (64.7%) was more common than thoracic SCM (35.3%).
- Neurological deficits were present in 61.8% of patients; 47.1% improved post-surgery, 11.8% deteriorated, and 41.2% remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment is advised for all SCM types to avert further neurological deterioration.
- Surgical intervention for SCM demonstrates effectiveness and safety, supported by this study and prior literature.
