Cleft palate repair in spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita: minimizing the risk of cervical cord compression.
OBJECTIVE
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) is a rare, inheritable condition that can include dwarfism, cleft palate, and C(1-2) instability. When repairing a cleft palate in a patient with SEDC, there is a significant risk of cord compression at the C(1-2) level because of neck hyperextension required for the operation. This reports presents a patient with SEDC who underwent surgery for a cleft palate, using a Ferno vacuum splint to immobilize the spine.


METHODS
The patient underwent general anesthesia. Good access was gained to the palate, and it was repaired without any complications. Particular attention was paid to maintaining the neck in a neutral position.


CONCLUSIONS
The described technique provides the patient with the safest possible situation during anesthesia for cleft palate repair.
Tofield
Christopher E
CE
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Mackinnon
Craig A
CA
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D010009:Osteochondrodysplasias / Q000151:congenital*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013165:Splints