Exclusive Neurogenic Bladder and Fecal Incontinency in an Achondroplasic Child Successfully Treated with Lumbar
Flavio Giordano1, Matteo Lenge2,3, Pierarturo Donati1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
|July 28, 2021
Summary
Achondroplasia can cause lumbar stenosis, leading to bladder and bowel incontinence in children. Surgical decompression may successfully treat these symptoms, even without motor deficits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Genetics
Background:
- Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder causing skeletal abnormalities, including spinal stenosis.
- Spinal stenosis in achondroplasia often results from premature fusion of vertebral components.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old child with achondroplasia presented with isolated neurogenic bladder and fecal incontinence.
- These symptoms were attributed to lumbar spinal stenosis.
Findings:
- The child underwent L1-L5 partial laminectomy and foraminotomy.
- The surgical intervention successfully resolved the neurogenic bladder and fecal incontinence.
Implications:
- This case highlights that neurogenic bladder and fecal incontinence can be the sole presenting symptoms of lumbar stenosis in achondroplastic children.
- Early recognition and surgical treatment are crucial for managing these exclusive symptoms.
