Scoliosis associated with syringomyelia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Radiology

Background:

• Scoliosis is a common spinal deformity.
• Syringomyelia and Chiari malformation are rare conditions that can affect the spinal cord.
• The relationship between scoliosis and these conditions requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of syringomyelia in patients with scoliosis.
• To identify associated conditions like Chiari type 1 malformation.
• To evaluate the clinical presentation and demographic factors of patients with scoliosis and syringomyelia.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 1,059 patients with scoliosis (≥20 degrees) from January 1986 to December 1991.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to diagnose syringomyelia.
• Patient records were analyzed for neurological abnormalities, age, curve patterns, and associated malformations.

Main Results:

• 43 patients (4.0%) were diagnosed with syringomyelia.
• 38 patients had concomitant Chiari type 1 malformation.
• Scoliosis was the sole presenting symptom in 32 patients; all had neurological abnormalities.
• Incidence of syringomyelia was higher in boys (18.4%) than girls (2.6%).

Conclusions:

• Syringomyelia is present in a significant percentage of scoliosis patients, particularly those with neurological deficits.
• MRI is crucial for diagnosing syringomyelia in scoliosis patients with abnormal neurologic findings.
• Early diagnosis and management are essential for patients with scoliosis, syringomyelia, and Chiari malformation.