Spina bifida occulta: the common radiological finding in lumbosacral spine radiograph with low backache below forty years

OBJECTIVE: To find out the common radiological findings in lumbosacral spine radiograph of patient with low backache below forty years. DESIGN: Prospective study of 241 patients complaining of low backache visiting Radiology Department for Lumbosacral Spine X-ray. SETTING: Department of Radiology, Memon Charitable Hospital, Hyderababd. PERIOD: January 1997 to April 1997 MAIN OUTCOME: Spina Bifida Occulta, is the most common radiological finding in lumbosacral spine x-ray, below 40 years with low backache. RESULT: 159 cases from 241 patients sent for lumbosacral spine x-ray AP view shows SBO. 78 were male and 81 were female. 59.1% show SBO in S1 segment. Mean age group was between 21-30 years in female, and 31-39 years in male. Associated lesion was also present apart from spina bifida occulta. The most common were Cutaneous Dimple 45.20%, followed by Lipoma 22.01%. CONCLUSIONS: SBO was found to be the most common radiological finding in AP view of lumbosacral spine x-ray below forty years, due to lack of public health awareness, and folic acid deficiency, during the antenatal period of their mother

Spina bifida occulta: radiographic and operative correlation.

The clinical and myelographic evaluation in 24 children with spina bifida occulta has been correlated with the operative findings. Myelograms were done using Myodil in 11 patients and Metrizamide in 13 patients. The diagnostic quality of myelograms done with Metrizamide was comparatively better. Myodil myelography failed to demonstrate diastematomyelia in one case and a dural sac in 3 cases of lipomeningomyelocele, whereas, Metrizamide failed to demonstrate a sac in one case of lipomeningomyelocele only. Worsening of the neurological status was observed in only 3 cases in whom myelography was done with Myodil. The radiographic and operative correlation has been discussed.