Classification of the "human tail": Correlation between position, associated anomalies, and causes

Area of Science:

• Embryology
• Medical Genetics
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• The human tail is a rare congenital anomaly.
• It can be associated with occult spinal dysraphic malformations.
• Existing definitions and classifications are insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and classify the human tail.
• To investigate the frequency of this anomaly.
• To propose a novel classification system.

Main Methods:

• Defined the human tail as a dorsal protrusion in specific regions after birth.
• Conducted a comprehensive literature review of case reports from the 1880s to present.
• Analyzed data from reports in multiple languages.

Main Results:

• Identified that similar-looking human tails can have different underlying causes.
• Found a correlation between tail position and anomaly type/cause.
• Proposed a new classification system for the human tail.

Conclusions:

• The new classification aids in understanding the human tail anomaly.
• It facilitates more accurate treatment strategies.
• It improves the precision of case descriptions for this condition.