What does diastematomyelia mean?
Diastematomyelia, a type of spina bifida, describes a congenital spinal dysraphism resulting in a split cord malformation. The spinal cord is longitudinally divided into two ‘hemicords,’ each surrounded by its own dural tube and separated by a midline bony spur or cartilaginous or fibrous ridge or band.
What causes Diastematomyelia?
The symptoms are caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord. The course of the disorder is progressive.
What is Lipomeningocele?
Lipomeningocele occurs when part of the spinal cord protrudes (sticks out) of the spinal column and forms a sac under the skin. Because the spinal cord does not close completely and it attaches itself to the tissues of the back, the nerves of the spinal canal can be damaged.
What does tethered cord mean?
A tethered spinal cord is a spinal cord that is pulled down and stuck, or fixed, to the spinal canal. The spinal cord normally floats free inside the spinal canal. As a child grows, the spinal cord must be able to move freely inside the spinal canal.
Is Diastematomyelia a neural tube defect?
When diastematomyelia presents as a closed neural tube defect, the prognosis for neurological function may be enhanced by early surgical removal of the septum, so it is important to refer to an orthopaedic center to plan the correct timing of the surgery.
What is Caudal Regression Syndrome?
Caudal regression syndrome is a broad term for a rare complex disorder characterized by abnormal development of the lower (caudal) end of the spine. The spine consists of many small bones (vertebrae) that collectively form the spinal column.
What happens if you have two spinal cords?
Split spinal cord malformation (SSCM) is a rare form of spinal dysraphism in which a person is born with splitting, or duplication , of the spinal cord. It may be characterized by complete or incomplete division of the spinal cord, resulting in two ‘hemicords.
What is the difference between myelomeningocele and lipomyelomeningocele?
Meningocele where only the meninges are pushed through the opening and myelomeningocele where the meninges and spinal cord are pushed out through the opening are both treated with surgery. Older infants and young children with lipomyelomeningocele may require surgery if they develop symptoms.
What’s the life expectancy of someone with spina bifida?
Generally, medical professionals state that about 90% of patients with SB will live past their third decade of life. However this number has increased over the years because of improvements in medical technology so it has increased the life expectancy of patients born with spina bifida.
Is tethered spinal cord treatable?
The good news is that tethered spinal cord is a very treatable condition, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Surgery is the most common treatment to “untether” the spinal cord from the spinal tissue.
What causes tethered cord in babies?
In many cases, children are born with a tethered cord because of a problem during the development of the spine. Tethered spinal cord can also occur after birth due to damage to the spine or from scar tissue after surgery.