Screening for spinal stenosis in achondroplastic patients undergoing limb lengthening.

[achondroplasia]

The need for a screening programme for spinal stenosis in children with achondroplasia undergoing limb lengthening was identified in a tertiary limb reconstruction service . The aim of this study was to evaluate whether screening would identify the 'at risk ' group . A total of 26 achondroplastic patients underwent our screening programme . Canal diameters were measured by MRI . Neurosurgical interventions were recorded . Of the patients , 13 had severe foramen magnum narrowing . Six patients required single or multiple surgical decompressions . We identified female sex , delayed milestones and a tight cervicomedullary junction as high risks . We stress upon the importance of developing a nationalized screening programme with guidelines to identify a high -risk group .