-
Congenital spinal deformities are generally considered not to be inherited. However, congenital spinal deformities may be associated with other conditions that are possibly inherited. Therefore, the future children of parents who have a child with isolated congenital spinal deformity do not have an increased risk for the same disorder. Currently, there is no way to prevent a congenital spinal deformity and it not conclusively known why these deformities occur.
Due to a series of events that take place during the development of an embryo and fetus, certain conditions are associated more commonly with congenital spinal deformities. The most common of these conditions are:
- Klippe-Feil syndrome (Two or more neck vertebrae are fused to each other at birth) – 25%
- Kidney-Bladder system abnormalities – 30%
- Spinal cord abnormalities – 15%
- Congenital heart problems – 12%
These abnormalities may or may not carry a functional significance. Also, congenital spinal deformities may be related to various syndromes (VACTERL, Goldenhar, Fetal Alcohol, etc.)