diastematomyelia (sp?)

    
      Re: diastematomyelia (sp?)
    


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Posted by CCF NEUROSURGERY MD on September 25, 1997 at 08:27:50:

In Reply to: diastematomyelia (sp?) posted by M Gady on September 24, 1997 at 14:19:24:

: My husband was diagnosed by his neurosurgeon with congenital diastematomyelia.  The same doctor did surgery on his back about 30 years ago when my husband was 7 years old.  As I understand it, he closed up the skin over the spinal cord which had not closed during my husbands fetal development.  He also removed hair, cartlige, and other tissue from around the same area,  possibly from a twin that died before it was completely developed.  
  My husband was taken off of labor intensive work in February by his primary care provider due to his severe back pain.  The neurosurgeon discovered this condition on an MRI in July.  What is the future prognosis for him having this condition it he were in a position that did not require heavy use of his lower back.  He is currently doing better, but still is VERY careful about lifting, carrying, and other heavy work.  He is back in school and also has problems sitting for an extended period of time studying.  He gets up and walks when studying, or stands during classes.  
  Any information you can provide for us would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much.
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Dear M Gady,
Diastematomyelia, otherwise known as split cord syndrome, is a congenital
condition where the spinal cord is physically separated into two parts during
development.  There is often a bony ridge, or cleft, pressing into the spinal
canal from the posterior aspect of the vertebral body.  A patch of darkened
skin or a patch of hair overlying the defect is not uncommon, and may be
discovered by the careful physician.  These defects may cause variable
deficits in the legs, or none at all.  Diastematomyelia is often corrected
when found to prevent injury, or to prevent further injury to the spinal cord.
  
It is difficult to surmise what was done at surgery when your father was a
child.  Regardless, the split cord may still be present.  If the bony cleft
was removed, there will likely be nothing more to do surgically for the
split cord.  
The pain your father is having could be from the split cord, but also may
be due to the other things we usually think of in patients with back pain.
Your neurosurgeon should be able to guide you in this regard.  Clearly your
father should stay away from heavy lifting, as this would aggravate any
back problem.  Taking it easy for a while would be a first suggestion.  
Check with your neurosurgeon for details about your father's radiographs and
physical exam.  He or she should be able to advise you as to what may be
causing your father's present pain.
Good luck.