Allowing Standing and Assisted Steps in a Patient With Renshaw Type IV Sacral Agenesis: A Case Report of a Novel Surgical Approach

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 May 26;13(2). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00780. eCollection 2023 Apr 1.

Abstract

Case: A 6-year-old boy with a Renshaw type 4 sacral agenesis presented paraplegia and rigid, "Buddha-like" lower-limb contractures, including severe knee pterygia, which made crawling and sitting difficult. Staged surgical treatment involved bilateral knee disarticulation, soft tissue surgery, and bifocal femoral osteotomies for lower-limb reorientation. At 18 months postoperatively and after prosthetic fitting, the patient can stand and take steps with assistance.

Conclusion: This effective surgical strategy achieves standing in a troublesome orthopaedic congenital condition. The intervention should be tailored to specific orthopaedic disorders and the wishes of patients and families, aiming to improve function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple* / surgery
  • Child
  • Contracture*
  • Disarticulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningocele* / complications
  • Orthopedics*

Supplementary concepts

  • Sacral defect and anterior sacral meningocele