Christopher E Tofield1, Craig A Mackinnon. 1. Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) is a rare, inheritable condition that can include dwarfism, cleft palate, and C(1-2) instability. When repairing a cleft palate in a patient with SEDC, there is a significant risk of cord compression at the C(1-2) level because of neck hyperextension required for the operation. This reports presents a patient with SEDC who underwent surgery for a cleft palate, using a Ferno vacuum splint to immobilize the spine. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent general anesthesia. Good access was gained to the palate, and it was repaired without any complications. Particular attention was paid to maintaining the neck in a neutral position. CONCLUSIONS: The described technique provides the patient with the safest possible situation during anesthesia for cleft palate repair.
OBJECTIVE:Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) is a rare, inheritable condition that can include dwarfism, cleft palate, and C(1-2) instability. When repairing a cleft palate in a patient with SEDC, there is a significant risk of cord compression at the C(1-2) level because of neck hyperextension required for the operation. This reports presents a patient with SEDC who underwent surgery for a cleft palate, using a Ferno vacuum splint to immobilize the spine. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent general anesthesia. Good access was gained to the palate, and it was repaired without any complications. Particular attention was paid to maintaining the neck in a neutral position. CONCLUSIONS: The described technique provides the patient with the safest possible situation during anesthesia for cleft palate repair.