Congenital Malformations of the Spine and Spinal Cord

Abstract

Congenital malformations of the spine and spinal cord that most commonly elicit medical examination are represented by spinal dysraphisms and caudal spinal anomalies. Although most of these conditions are diagnosed at birth or in early infancy, some may be discovered in older children or even in adults. Because of its multiplanar imaging and tissue characterization capabilities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has greatly ameliorated the diagnosis of these disorders and has enhanced the possibility of earlier and case-tailored treatment.