Spinal deformity in the skeletal dysplasias

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to review the array of spinal deformities associated with the osteochondrodysplasias. RECENT FINDINGS: Cervical instability, thoracolumbar kyphosis, scoliosis and spinal stenosis at all levels of the spine are commonly manifested in these disorders. This review discusses the treatment of the spinal deformities associated with the different skeletal dysplasias. SUMMARY: Due to difficult airways and restrictive pulmonary disease, appropriate anesthetic evaluation is mandatory for all of these patients prior to embarking on surgical treatment. Although modern segmental instrumentation is preferred, hypoplastic spinal elements often make surgical fixation difficult.