K. Nakamura et al., RISK-FACTORS OF MYELOPATHY AT THE ATLANTOAXIAL LEVEL IN SPONDYLOEPIPHYSEAL DYSPLASIA CONGENITA, Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 117(8), 1998, pp. 468-470
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) can be accompanied by hy
poplasia of the odontoid and/or lax ligaments which may lead to spinal
cord compression. Since an early diagnosis of myelopathy is essential
for rational treatment, identification of the high-risk factors is im
perative. Sixteen patients were retrospectively reviewed, 10 male and
6 female, and their average age at the time of examination was 18 (ran
ge 3-37) years. Myelopathy was seen in 6 individuals. Five were associ
ated with atlantoaxial subluxation, and the critical value of space av
ailable for the spinal cord at the level of the atlas was 10 mm or les
s. Their height was less than -7SD of average Japanese of the same age
, and all were associated with severe coxa vara. Although SEDC itself
is a risk factor, marked short stature of less than -7SD and severe co
xa vara are particularly high-risk factors for cord compression at the
level of the atlas.