Thoraco-lumbar duplication of the spine - Case report and embryology review

Object: We present a case of an asymptomatic and neurologically normal 6-ye ar-old girl who was noted to have a gross spinal abnormality. Methods: Neur oimaging demonstrates gross thoraco-lumbar spine duplication, which is at t he severe end of the split cord malformation (SCM) group of congenital abno rmalities. Despite the position of the neural structures, the clinical cond ition has so far not suggested that any surgical intervention is indicated, though the girl's later growth spurts may still unmask features of a tethe red spinal cord. Conclusions: We present a brief review of the literature d ealing with theories of embryogenesis relating to SCM, the common clinical and radiological features, and finally the surgical options available.