Denouement and Discussion
Caudal Dysplasia Syndrome
(Caudal Regression Syndrome)
Manifestations
The caudal regression syndrome consists of varying degrees of spinal defects and associated anomalies. It ranges from sacral agenesis which may present only with a neurogenic bladder, to the more severely affected child with complete neurological loss below the vertebral lesion.In sacral agenesis, absence of the body of the sacrum may result in a flattening of the buttocks, shortening of the intergluteal cleft, and dimpling of the buttocks. If agenesis of the lumbar spine is also present, there may be a marked disproportion between the transverse diameter of the thorax and pelvis. Incontinence of urine and feces and atrophy and diminished muscle power of the lower extremities are usually present.In the more severe cases there may be abduction and flexion deformities of the hips giving a "frog-leg" and "stuck-on" appearance and popliteal webbing. The majority of these cases