DIASTEMATOMYELIA - ABOUT A SERIE OF 6 CASES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 24  (6) , 381-389
Abstract
Cases (6) of diastematomyelia in children are reported. The rarity of this spinal cord deformity whose pathogenesis is obviously of dysraphic origin is stressed orthopedic syndrome is the most common complaint (cypho-scoliosis and or malformation of the feet) in a child with dorsal or lumbar cutaneous dysplasia. Neurological disorders or sphincter disturbance are less frequent. Radiologic examination shows the high frequency of spina occulta. The diagnosis is assessed when bony spur is demonstrated on films. Vertebral body deformities are not constant and often far seated from spur. Air myelography demonstrates site and length of spinal cord cleft and often the low position of conus medullaris. Surgery allows the liberation of bifid cord by resection of spur. It should be suitable to cut filum terminale when it is accessible by laminectomy. The preventive effect of surgery for diastematomyelia is stressed.

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