Diagnosis and treatment of dermal sinus in children
U'lrikh, E.V.
Khirurgiia 11: 90-93
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-1207 PMID: 2615277 Document Number: 337731
The article acquaints the reader with a rare developmental anomaly of the spine which hazards life seriously. Seven cases with dermal sinus are analysed. All of the patients were admitted to the clinic with an erroneous diagnosis; the duration of the disease ranged from one to 14 years during which some of them underwent surgical interventions to no purpose. Variants of the clinical course of dermal sinus are shown and concomitant skin changes and spinal anomalies, which make the diagnosis obvious, are described. The role of survey radiography, fistulography, and ultrasonic examination in the diagnosis of dermal sinus is determined. Arguments are given in favour of obligatory operative treatment of the anomaly immediately after the diagnosis is established and operative techniques are recommended.