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Analysis of the distribution pattern of spinal meningoceles and meningo-myeloceles
Abstract
Background: Spinal meningoceles and meningomyeloceles are part of a group of developmental abnormalities. They are usually midline and could be found throughout the length of the spinal column. Their preferential occurrence along the spine is not clear and their aetiological factors could be numerous.
Aim: To determine the distribution pattern of spinal celes.
Methods: A retrospective study of all spinal meningocele and myelomeningocele patients who had repair from 1975 to 2010 was carried out utilizing the author's personal surgery records in Jamaica and Nigeria. Information extracted were their age, gender, level, side and type of cele. Relevant information from the mother's medical history, including their antenatal history, were obtained. The affected spinal cord level was determined through neurological examination. Data were analysed by descriptive methods.
Results: Two meningoceles and 26 meningomyeloceles were repaired in the period under review. Five cases were done in Jamaica and 23 in Nigeria. Eighteen of the patients had pedes equino-varus and 2 had hydrocephalus. Their ages ranged from 1 to 300 days. There were 15 males and 13 females, giving a male to female ratio of 1.2 : 1. They were all midline; 4 lumbars and 24 lumbo-sacrals. Their mothers had had no folic acid supplementation.
Conclusion: This study shows that all were midline in the lumbar (4) and lumbo-sacral (24) regions. Its preferential occurrence at different segments of the spine/cord needs to be researched into.
Keywords: Spine, Celes, Analysis, Distribution, Pattern
Aim: To determine the distribution pattern of spinal celes.
Methods: A retrospective study of all spinal meningocele and myelomeningocele patients who had repair from 1975 to 2010 was carried out utilizing the author's personal surgery records in Jamaica and Nigeria. Information extracted were their age, gender, level, side and type of cele. Relevant information from the mother's medical history, including their antenatal history, were obtained. The affected spinal cord level was determined through neurological examination. Data were analysed by descriptive methods.
Results: Two meningoceles and 26 meningomyeloceles were repaired in the period under review. Five cases were done in Jamaica and 23 in Nigeria. Eighteen of the patients had pedes equino-varus and 2 had hydrocephalus. Their ages ranged from 1 to 300 days. There were 15 males and 13 females, giving a male to female ratio of 1.2 : 1. They were all midline; 4 lumbars and 24 lumbo-sacrals. Their mothers had had no folic acid supplementation.
Conclusion: This study shows that all were midline in the lumbar (4) and lumbo-sacral (24) regions. Its preferential occurrence at different segments of the spine/cord needs to be researched into.
Keywords: Spine, Celes, Analysis, Distribution, Pattern
