Congenital and Developmental Spine Disorders

Congenital and developmental spine disorders in children are conditions present at birth or emerging during early growth that affect the spinal cord, vertebrae, and nerves. These conditions can lead to neurological deficits, spinal deformities, mobility issues, and bladder/bowel dysfunction, especially if left untreated. In Bangladesh, where awareness is still growing, many children suffer silently due to late diagnosis or lack of access to expert pediatric neurosurgical care. Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman, one of the country’s foremost pediatric neurosurgeons, is a pioneer in the surgical management of such spinal conditions. With state-of-the-art neurosurgical facilities at NINS and Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre, Dr. Rahman offers hope for children with even the most complex spinal abnormalities. 🧠 Common Congenital & Developmental Spine Disorders Requiring Surgery Dr. Nafaur Rahman treats a wide range of pediatric spine conditions including: 1. Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele / Meningocele) A type of neural tube defect where the spinal cord and nerves protrude through an opening in the back. Requires early surgical closure to prevent infection and protect exposed nerves. Often associated with hydrocephalus. 2. Tethered Cord Syndrome A condition in which the spinal cord is abnormally attached or "tethered" to surrounding tissues, limiting its movement. This can cause leg weakness, pain, scoliosis, or bladder issues. Surgery involves detethering the spinal cord. 3. Diastematomyelia (Split Cord Malformation) A rare congenital anomaly where the spinal cord is split into two halves. Requires microsurgical correction to untether the cord and remove bony or fibrous septa. 4. Lipomyelomeningocele A fatty mass that tethers the spinal cord and may cause neurological deterioration over time. Surgical detethering is crucial for long-term preservation of nerve function. 5. Congenital Scoliosis Spinal curvature due to vertebral anomalies at birth. May require orthopedic-neurosurgical collaboration for correction if progressive. 6. Dermal Sinus Tract An abnormal connection from the skin to deeper spinal tissues. Increases risk of infection or spinal abscess. Surgical removal is recommended. 7. Intraspinal Cysts or Tumors in Neonates Some developmental cysts or tumors may compress the spinal cord and require excision. ⚠️ Warning Signs in Children Parents should seek expert opinion if their child has: Skin dimples, hair tufts, or swellings over the spine Delayed walking or limb weakness Curved spine or uneven hips Difficulty with urination or bowel control Pain in the lower back or legs Seizures associated with spinal malformations Head enlargement (suggestive of hydrocephalus in spina bifida cases) Early intervention can prevent permanent neurological deficits and improve quality of life. 🏥 Surgical Management in Bangladesh by Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman Dr. Rahman’s approach to surgical correction of spinal malformations combines: 🔬 Microsurgical Precision to protect delicate spinal nerves 🧠 Multidisciplinary Planning with pediatricians, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons 💉 Intraoperative Neuromonitoring to ensure safety of spinal cord during surgery 🏥 Postoperative Neuro-Rehabilitation and developmental follow-up Every procedure is customized based on the child’s age, defect type, neurological status, and long-term needs. His care pathway includes preoperative imaging, parental counseling, surgical repair, and post-op neurodevelopmental care. 🌍 Bridging the Treatment Gap in Bangladesh Despite growing medical advancements, thousands of children in Bangladesh live with undiagnosed or untreated spinal malformations due to lack of awareness or financial constraints. Dr. Nafaur Rahman is working to bridge this gap through: 📚 Community education programs on neural tube defects 🏥 Early referral systems from rural and district health centers 🤝 Affordable treatment solutions for underprivileged children 👶 Advocating for routine antenatal ultrasound screening 👨‍⚕️ Why Parents Trust Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman ✅ Recognized authority in pediatric spinal neurosurgery ✅ Vast experience with neonatal and infant spine surgery ✅ Trusted by hundreds of families across Bangladesh ✅ Backed by the most advanced pediatric neurosurgical setup at NINS ✅ Long-term neurodevelopmental and mobility support From complex spina bifida repair to rare tethered cord surgeries, Dr. Nafaur Rahman provides world-class care rooted in compassion, safety, and excellence. 📞 Book a Consultation or Get Expert Opinion Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman Assistant Professor, Pediatric Neurosurgery, NINS Chief Consultant, Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre 📞 For Serial Call: 01912988182 | 01607033535