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Syringomyelia and developmental scoliosis
R J Tomlinson1, M W Wolfe, J M Nadall
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Occult syringomyelia (a hidden spinal cord condition) is linked to developmental scoliosis. Syringomyelia decompression surgery can improve or stabilize scoliosis curves in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Developmental Neurology
Background:
- Scoliosis can be a manifestation of occult syringomyelia.
- Occult syringomyelia presents diagnostic challenges.
- Understanding this association is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize signs and symptoms of scoliosis due to occult syringomyelia.
- To evaluate the impact of syrinx decompression on scoliosis.
- To assess the effect on neurologic deficits.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 21 patients treated between 1981-1991.
- Syrinx decompression performed on patients without other CNS lesions.
- Follow-up assessments of spinal deformity and neurologic status.
Main Results:
- Surgical decompression improved neurologic signs and symptoms.
- Improvement in scoliosis deformity observed in 3 of 4 patients not treated with arthrodesis (average follow-up 35 months).
- Stabilization or improvement in scoliosis occurred in 3 of 5 patients with myelodysplasia and syringomyelia not previously fused (average follow-up 21 months).
Conclusions:
- Syringomyelia has a high association with developmental scoliosis.
- Syrinx decompression improves or stabilizes most associated scoliotic curves.
- Decompression may postpone the need for spinal fusion.