VERTEBRAL DEFORMITY ASSOCIATED WITH THORACIC SPINE SEGMENTATION DISORDER IN NEWBORNS AND INFANTS OF THE FIRST HALF-YEAR OF LIFE

Objective. To analyze clinical features, X-ray anatomy and dynamics of deformities of the spine and thorax in newborns and infants of the first half-year of life with vertebral segmentation disorders. Material and Methods. Twenty four children in neonatal period and 8 children in the first 5 months of their lives were examined. X-ray anatomy of malformation, dynamics of congenital spinal deformity, intervertebral disc and spinal canal status were studied. Thorax development pattern, and dynamics of congenital vertebral block and spinal deformity were followed in 15 children for 2 to 8 years. Results. Most of children with vertebral segmentation disorders were born with grade III–IV spinal deformity. An asymmetric congenital block was detected almost in 70 % of patients. This malformation enables a rapid progression of scoliosis in more than 1/3 of patients. True bone block was observed in 3 % of cases, other patients of this age group had either fibrocartilaginous or combined block. Gradual maturation and ossification of this block is observed. Asymmetric growth of the spine with extended congenital vertebral block (five or more segments) results in formation of grade III–IV spinal deformity in most newborns. Conclusion. Spinal deformity associated with vertebral segmentation disorder in infants of the first weeks and months of life offers a challenge of passing from passive observation of such patients to active orthopedic treatment at an early age.