Congenital Spinal Deformity in Newborns Symptoms and Early Treatment

Congenital spinal deformities in newborns and infants are rare conditions that can cause significant concern for parents. These conditions affect the development of the spine from birth and can appear in different forms, such as abnormal curvatures or incomplete vertebrae, which may lead to movement or growth problems over time.In this article by Daleeli Medical, you’ll find a complete guide: we’ll discuss the causes of spinal deformities, the symptoms you should watch for, the different types, potential risks and complications, as well as the best treatment and follow-up options. You’ll also find practical tips to help you care for your child and provide a better quality of life.

1️⃣ What is Congenital Spinal Deformity?

A congenital spinal deformity occurs when a child is born with a curvature or abnormality in the spine, which can affect the neck, back, or lower back. This condition may impact the child’s body shape and daily movement.

2️⃣ Causes of Congenital Spinal Deformities

Genetic factors: Some deformities can be inherited from the parents.
Problems in bone development during pregnancy: Any abnormal formation of the vertebrae can affect the spine.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Especially calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy.
Environmental factors or medications: Exposure to certain harmful substances or some medications during pregnancy.

3️⃣ Symptoms of Congenital Spinal Deformity in Children

Visible curvature in the back or neck.
Uneven shoulders or waist.
Difficulty moving or sitting normally.
Sometimes breathing or nerve problems in severe cases.

4️⃣ Does the Deformity Affect Overall Growth?

In most cases, mental development is normal, but severe cases may affect movement, or the child’s ability to sit and walk properly.

5️⃣ How is Congenital Spinal Deformity Diagnosed?

Clinical examination: A pediatrician evaluates the spine’s shape and the child’s movement.
Imaging: X-rays or MRI to assess bones and vertebrae.
Genetic tests: Sometimes used to identify the cause and predict potential complications.

6️⃣ Can Congenital Spinal Deformity Be Treated?

Yes, treatment may include:

Physical therapy: To strengthen muscles and improve movement.
Assistive devices: Back braces or supports to stabilize the spine.
Medications: To support bone growth or manage any health complications.
Surgery: In severe cases, to correct curvature or deformity.

7️⃣ Does the Child Need Ongoing Follow-Up?

Yes, regular follow-up with a pediatrician, orthopedic specialist, and physical therapist is essential to monitor growth and address any issues early.

8️⃣ Important Tips for Parents

Stick to physical therapy and daily exercises.
Monitor the child’s posture while sitting, playing, and sleeping.
Provide psychological and social support to prevent frustration or anxiety.
Maintain continuous communication with the medical team for any changes in the condition.

Causes of Congenital Spinal Deformity in Children

Congenital spinal deformities are birth defects that occur due to problems in vertebrae or spinal cord development during pregnancy. The main causes include:

1️⃣ Vertebral formation defects:
Sometimes one or more vertebrae do not develop completely, causing tilt or curvature, such as congenital scoliosis.

2️⃣ Failure of vertebral separation:
Some vertebrae remain fused and do not separate properly, leading to stiffness or curvature of the spine.

3️⃣ Neural tube formation defects:
Conditions like spina bifida occur when the neural tube fails to close completely early in pregnancy.

4️⃣ Genetic factors:
Some genetic mutations or syndromes, such as VACTERL syndrome, can cause spinal deformities along with abnormalities in the heart, kidneys, or other organs.

5️⃣ Environmental factors during pregnancy:
Exposure to certain medications or chemicals, uncontrolled maternal diabetes, or folic acid deficiency—one of the main causes of neural tube defects.

6️⃣ Association with other deformities:
Sometimes spinal deformity is part of a group of birth defects affecting the heart, kidneys, or urinary system.

Symptoms of Congenital Spinal Deformity in Children

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the deformity, but parents may notice:

Spinal curvature or tilt: Abnormal leaning to one side, appearing as scoliosis or a hump.
Asymmetry in shoulders or hips: One shoulder higher, tilted pelvis, or one side protruding.
Bumps or swelling on the back: Bone protrusions, masses, or changes in the skin above (birthmarks, tufts of hair, or discoloration).
Leg length differences: Uneven walking or movement of the legs.
Neurological issues in some cases: Weakness in legs or arms, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel.
Symptoms linked to other congenital defects: Some children may also have heart, kidney, or limb abnormalities.

Types of Congenital Spinal Deformities in Children

1️⃣ Congenital Scoliosis
A sideways curvature of the spine present at birth due to missing or fused vertebrae.
It can be mild or severe depending on the number of affected vertebrae.

2️⃣ Congenital Kyphosis
An abnormal forward curvature, usually in the upper back.
Severe cases may affect walking or breathing.

3️⃣ Kyphoscoliosis
A combination of sideways and forward curvature at the same time.
This type is often complex and requires careful monitoring.

4️⃣ Malformed or Fused Vertebrae
Some vertebrae may be misshapen or fused, affecting spine growth.

5️⃣ Spinal Cord-Related Deformities
Presence of a gap or cyst in the back containing the spinal cord or its membranes.
May be accompanied by neurological problems such as weakness or paralysis in the legs, or difficulty controlling bladder and bowel.

6️⃣ Multiple Vertebrae Deformities
More than one vertebra is affected simultaneously.
Can lead to severe tilting or narrowing of the spinal canal, causing neurological issues.

Stages of Congenital Spinal Deformity in Children and Newborns

Congenital spinal deformities start very early and progress through several stages depending on the child’s age:

1️⃣ Prenatal Stage (Fetus)

Some deformities may appear on ultrasound during pregnancy.
Vertebrae may be malformed or fused during fetal development.
Early diagnosis helps manage the pregnancy better and prepare the medical team after birth.

2️⃣ Early Neonatal Stage

At birth, a visible curvature or lumps on the back may appear.
Severe curvatures in the chest area can cause breathing problems.
In some cases, a cyst containing part of the spinal cord (spina bifida) may be present.

3️⃣ Early Childhood (1–5 years)

Difficulty in movement or walking if deformity affects vertebrae near the pelvis or chest.
Scoliosis or kyphosis may become more noticeable as the child grows.
Continuous follow-up with an orthopedic doctor and physical therapist is important to strengthen muscles and support movement.

4️⃣ Middle Childhood (6–12 years)

Curvatures become more prominent with rapid spinal growth.
Pressure on the spinal cord may cause neurological complications.
Some children may need surgical intervention to correct the deformity before it worsens.

5️⃣ Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Final spinal curvature determines the child’s body shape and final height.
Some cases may cause chronic back pain or movement difficulties.
Psychological and social support is important to help the child adapt to physical deformities.

Complications of Congenital Spinal Deformities in Children

If left untreated or not properly monitored, spinal deformities may lead to:

1️⃣ Motor and Bone Problems

Difficulty moving or walking due to spinal curvature or malformed vertebrae.
Joint stiffness or weakness of muscles surrounding the spine.
Increased risk of scoliosis or curvature progression as the child grows.

2️⃣ Growth and Height Problems

Final height may be shorter than normal in severe cases.
Affects body balance during walking or daily activities.

3️⃣ Neurological Problems

Spinal cord pressure can cause weakness or numbness in limbs.
Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel in spina bifida cases.
Delay in fine motor skills due to weak muscles or neurological pressure.

4️⃣ Respiratory or Heart Problems (in Certain Cases)

Severe curvatures in the thoracic spine can put pressure on the lungs and heart.
This may cause difficulty breathing or reduced ability to engage in physical activity.

5️⃣ Psychological and Social Complications

The child may feel different from peers due to body shape.
Exposure to bullying or embarrassment at school or in social activities.
Psychological stress on parents due to the need for continuous medical follow-up.

6️⃣ Rare Risks

In very severe cases, the deformity can be life-threatening due to respiratory or neurological issues.
Complications during birth if the deformity severely affects the chest or spine shape.

Risks of Congenital Spinal Deformity in Children and Newborns

If not treated or properly monitored, congenital spinal deformities can lead to:

1️⃣ Bone and Joint Problems

Increased spinal curvature (scoliosis or kyphosis) as the child grows.
Stiffness or weakness in the joints surrounding the spine.
Difficulty moving or walking in young children.

2️⃣ Growth and Height Problems

Final height may be shorter than normal in severe cases.
Difficulty performing daily activities like running or climbing.

3️⃣ Neurological Problems

Spinal cord pressure can cause muscle weakness or loss of sensation in limbs.
Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel in some spina bifida cases.

4️⃣ Respiratory and Cardiac Issues

Severe thoracic spine curvatures can compress lungs and heart.
Reduced ability to breathe normally and perform physical activities.

5️⃣ Psychological and Social Complications

Feeling different from peers due to body shape.
Exposure to bullying or embarrassment at school or social activities.
Psychological stress on parents due to ongoing medical care and the child’s needs.

6️⃣ Rare and Severe Risks

Very severe cases may be life-threatening due to respiratory or neurological problems.
Complications during delivery if the deformity severely affects the chest or spine.

Treatment of Congenital Spinal Deformities in Children

Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity and the child’s symptoms. It usually involves a comprehensive plan combining medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

1️⃣ Medication-Based Treatment

Medications do not cure the deformity but help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life:

Pain relievers:
To reduce pain or stiffness in the back.
Examples: Paracetamol or Ibuprofen according to doctor’s prescription and child’s dosage.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
To reduce inflammation and swelling in muscles and joints around the spine.
Given under medical supervision and in child-specific doses.
Bone-supporting supplements:
Calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Protein is important for building muscles and supporting the spine.
Medications for associated conditions:
Some children may need drugs to manage muscle spasms or growth issues.
Dosage and type are determined individually after careful medical evaluation.

⚠️ Important Notes:

Medication is part of a comprehensive plan that includes physical therapy and surgery if needed.
Follow the doctor’s instructions strictly to avoid complications or side effects.

2️⃣ Surgical Treatment

Surgery is necessary in severe cases or when complications are present:

Correction of severe curvatures:
Goal: Adjust the spine shape to improve appearance, reduce pain, or relieve organ pressure.
Method: Installing rods or fixation devices to gradually straighten the spine.
Spinal Fusion Surgery:
Stabilizes specific vertebrae to prevent worsening curvature or abnormal movement.
Vertebrae are fused using bone grafts or synthetic materials to strengthen the spine.
Nerve decompression:
Surgery is performed if the spinal cord or nerves are compressed.
Goal: Preserve the child’s mobility and normal body function.
Spinal Canal Expansion Surgery:
Used for cases with a narrow spinal canal to prevent spinal cord compression.

⚠️ Important Notes About Surgery

Surgery should be performed after careful evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
Some cases require long-term follow-up after surgery and physical therapy to support movement.
Risks include bleeding, infection, or the possible need for additional surgical intervention in the future.

Exercise-Based Treatment for Congenital Spinal Deformities in Children

Exercise therapy is an important part of supporting the spine and reducing curvature. It is usually combined with medication or surgery depending on the child’s condition.

1️⃣ Muscle Strengthening Exercises

Strengthen back and abdominal muscles to support the spine and reduce curvature.
Improve balance and stability while sitting or standing in older children.

2️⃣ Flexibility and Stretching Exercises

Increase flexibility of the spine and surrounding joints to reduce stiffness.
Include simple exercises for the head, neck, and shoulders, gradually performed under a pediatric physical therapist’s supervision.

3️⃣ Postural Training

Teach the child correct positions when sitting or lying down.
Use cushions or supports to maintain proper spine alignment during sleep or sitting.

4️⃣ Hydrotherapy (Water-Based Exercises)

Exercises in water reduce pressure on the spine and joints.
Helps children move freely and strengthen muscles safely.

5️⃣ Use of Assistive Devices

Back braces or support belts to stabilize the spine during movement.
Help reduce curvature and teach the child proper walking or sitting posture.

⚠️ Important Notes:

Exercises should always be supervised by a pediatric physical therapist.
Daily exercise adherence is crucial to achieve the best results.
In severe cases, physical therapy may be combined with surgery.

Practical Tips for Managing Congenital Spinal Deformities in Children and Newborns

Congenital spinal deformities require careful monitoring and continuous support for both children and their families. Here are the key practical tips:

1️⃣ Regular Medical Follow-Up

Regular pediatric check-ups to monitor spinal growth and development.
Consult an orthopedic or spinal surgeon if there is noticeable curvature or worsening of the spine.
Perform imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess spinal shape and growth.

2️⃣ Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy sessions to strengthen muscles around the spine and improve balance.
Simple exercises for the child under supervision to strengthen the neck, back, and limbs.
Teach parents proper ways to carry and position the child to reduce spinal pressure.

3️⃣ Use of Supportive Devices When Needed

Braces or special supports to correct spinal posture if necessary.
Devices help prevent curvature progression and improve daily movement.

4️⃣ Nutrition and Growth Support

Provide a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone growth.
Ensure adequate protein intake to strengthen muscles and support the spine.

5️⃣ Monitor Psychological and Social Development

Encourage the child to play and engage in age-appropriate activities to boost self-confidence.
Educate the family about the deformity and the importance of psychological support to reduce anxiety and frustration.

6️⃣ Watch for Symptoms and Warning Signs

Pay attention to any back pain or difficulty moving.
Monitor for sudden changes in spinal curvature.
Consult a doctor immediately if there are serious symptoms such as limb weakness or walking difficulties.

7️⃣ Surgical Intervention When Necessary

In cases of severe curvature, surgery may be recommended to straighten or stabilize the spine.
Surgery aims to reduce complications and improve long-term quality of life.