Sacral Agenesis
Sacral Agenesis is a term that applies to a wide range of developmental disorders of the lower portions of the spinal column and pelvis. This term indicates that some portion of the lumbar spine, sacrum, or pelvis is incompletely or incorrectly formed at the time of birth. These disorders are usually quite serious, as patients often lack any useful motor functioning below the last normally formed level of the spine.
Fortunately, these are very rare abnormalities, affecting approximately 1 in 25,000 children. Girls and boys are affected equally, and the causes of these disorders are not completely understood. The majority of cases involve a complete or partial absence of the sacrum, and often a portion of the lumbar spine as well.
The diagnosis and treatment of sacral agenesis is often initiated soon after birth, since the majority of patients with this disorder are recognized as having something wrong with their lower lumbar spine or pelvis during their first physical examination. When an infant is found to have evidence of sacral agenesis, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with a radiographic examination of the spine and pelvis. At this point, several other consultants, including pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and developmental experts, are often asked to provide opinions regarding the prognosis and treatment of the condition.
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