Birth defects involving the spine.

There is a multiplicity of birth defects of the spine occurring as isolated anomalies or as aspects of multifaceted syndromes. The clinical significance of these anomalies varies from the asymptomatic to the life threatening. Symptoms and signs may present at birth or not until years later. The optimal clinical result for the patient requires a careful history and physical examination, appropriate routine and specialized roentgenograms, laboratory data, and a high index of suspicion for signs or symptoms of neurological dysfunction. When the diagnosis is made, conservative or surgical treatment may be instituted as appropriate.