Infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to lumbar hypoplasia

Mauricio A Campos; Pedro Fernandes; Lori A Dolan; Stuart L Weinstein

doi:10.2106/JBJS.G.01190

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Infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to lumbar hypoplasia

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to lumbar hypoplasia

Mauricio A Campos, Pedro Fernandes, Lori A Dolan and Stuart L Weinstein

Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, Vol.90(8), pp.1726-1729

08/2008

DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.G.01190

PMID: 18676904

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Abstract

There is a normal transition from the kyphotic alignment that is present in the spine of the newborn to the normal sagittal contours that are present in the adult spine. Although abnormal kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction in infants is rare, it can result from congenital anomalies and bone dysplasias. We report the cases of seven otherwise normal infants who had thoracolumbar kyphosis due to lumbar hypoplasia, with total spontaneous resolution over time. The medical records of seven patients who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Clinical data and radiographs were analyzed to rule out the presence of congenital anomalies or bone dysplasias. Progression of kyphosis was measured on serial radiographs made with the patient sitting and standing. All patients were managed conservatively with observation alone. No patient had a neurologic deficit. The average age at the time of the initial diagnosis was 5.3 months, and the average duration of follow-up was 5.7 years. Three cases of kyphosis were secondary to L1 hypoplasia, and four were secondary to L2 hypoplasia. The average initial kyphosis was 34.2 degrees, which progressed to 0.4 degrees of lordosis at the time of the latest follow-up. Thoracolumbar kyphosis in normal infants secondary to lumbar hypoplasia may resolve spontaneously. After congenital anomalies and bone dysplasias are ruled out, a period of observation is advised.

Diagnosis, Differential

Thoracic Vertebrae - abnormalities

Humans

Lumbar Vertebrae - abnormalities

Female

Infant

Male

Kyphosis - diagnosis

Child

Disease Progression

Kyphosis - therapy

Details

Title: Subtitle: Infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to lumbar hypoplasia
Creators: Mauricio A Campos - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Pedro Fernandes
Lori A Dolan
Stuart L Weinstein
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, Vol.90(8), pp.1726-1729
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.G.01190
PMID: 18676904
NLM abbreviation: J Bone Joint Surg Am
ISSN: 0021-9355
eISSN: 1535-1386
Publisher: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Incorporated; United States
Language: English
Date published: 08/2008
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
Record Identifier: 9984040334702771

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