Spinal deformity associated with neurenteric cysts in children.
METHODS
Neurenteric cysts are uncommon lesions originating from the primitive foregut that may involve adjacent vertebrae and spinal cord. Little is known regarding the natural history of these cysts and associated spinal deformity in children. Five patients with these cysts managed at the authors' institution from 1955 to 1993 were reviewed.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this retrospective review was to determine the natural history of these cysts in children, and to assess the surgical management in each of the five patients.


METHODS
Medical charts and radiographic records were reviewed and, when possible, the patients were re-evaluated clinically.


RESULTS
All patients had significant anterior vertebral defects, and four had severe kyphosis at presentation. Major complications occurred in three of the four patients treated surgically.


CONCLUSIONS
Iatrogenic complications of surgical management of these cysts can be limited by combined anterior and posterior approaches, providing the most complete exposure and maximal stabilization of the associated deformity.
Mooney
J F
JF
Childrens Orthopaedic Surgery Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts.
Hall
J E
JE
Emans
J B
JB
Millis
M B
MB
Kasser
J R
JR
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D007796:Laminectomy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery