Vertebral abnormalities and atresia of the esophagus

: Out of a series of 50 infants suffering from oesophageal atresia, muscular-skeletal anomalies were found in 17 of them (34%), and in 15 of these the vertebral column was abnormal (30%). 5 (10%) were affected by V.A.T.E.R. syndrome. The most frequent vertebral anomaly was characterised by isolated thoracic hypersegmentation, which was found to be regularly associated with Vogt type 3a of oesophageal atresia, with a large distance between the two ends of the oesophagus. This represents an important factor in determining the correct surgical approach, even if in this series the presence of an extra segment did not seem to significantly increase the rate of anastomotic leakage or of mortality. Vertebral anomalies in risk group A, according to Waterston's classification, were quite uncommon.