A case of congenital kyphosis misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy.

INTRODUCTION

Congenital kyphosis is an uncommon spinal deformity that needs prompt recognition and early surgery due to its progressive nature, which can lead to neurological compromise.

CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old boy presented with deteriorating ambulatory function after bilateral Achilles tendon lengthening and calcaneal osteotomies. He previously had a series of orthopedic surgeries of the lower extremities, having been diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy based on clinical features and history of prematurity. His computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed compressive thoracic myelopathy due to the fusion of vertebral bodies from T2 to T5. He was treated with anterior decompression and anteroposterior fusion of the thoracic spine.

DISCUSSION: Neurological impairment such as spastic paraplegia in children can lead to an erroneous diagnosis of cerebral palsy, resulting in unnecessary surgeries with their attendant potential complications. This report alerts clinicians to the presentation and progression of congenital vertebral anomalies and highlights the importance of a thorough neurological examination and radiological evaluation.