Spinal Deformities after Childhood Tumors

Area of Science:

• Pediatric oncology
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic surgery

Background:

• Childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors and spinal pathologies are rare but can lead to severe spinal deformities.
• Treatment for these conditions is complex, involving surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of spinal deformity in children with CNS, spinal, or juxta-spinal tumors.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions for correcting these deformities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 76 pediatric patients with CNS tumors, spinal tumors, juxta-spinal tumors, and spinal deformities.
• Analysis of tumor type, treatment, mobilization, and radiographic spinal deformity (curve angles).
• Evaluation of conservative and surgical interventions, including orthotic braces, growth-friendly implants, and spinal fusions.

Main Results:

• Of 65 evaluated patients, 25 showed moderate to severe spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis).
• Surgical treatment was performed on 21 patients, including growth-friendly implants and spinal fusions.
• Surgical interventions significantly improved spinal deformities without causing new neurological deficits.

Conclusions:

• Children surviving rare tumors often face long-term issues like spinal deformities.
• Early identification and close monitoring of spinal deformities are crucial for this patient group.
• Surgical intervention is frequently required and effectively addresses spinal deformities in pediatric oncology patients.