Congenital Cervical Spondyloptosis in the Neonate: A Prenatal Diagnosis

Congenital spine abnormalities are rare in the fetus and neonate. The illustrative case described in this article is unique as it depicts a neonate with prenatally diagnosed cervical spondyloptosis. Vertebral instability at any level of the spine, regardless of its etiology, is dangerous as it has the potential for neurologic involvement-making an early diagnosis and treatment paramount. Proper stabilization in the delivery room, transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit, and establishment of a multidisciplinary treatment plan are the mainstays of therapy. Diagnosis is usually obtained through computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging performed during the fetal or, more commonly, neonatal period. Successful management is often accomplished in consultation with different pediatric subspecialists, particularly orthopedists and neurosurgeons. The definitive therapy is surgical intervention. Prognosis of this condition is dependent upon the severity of the malformation, time to stabilization, successful orthopedic and neurosurgical intervention, and proper adherence to follow-up. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(7):e313-e318.].