Israeli neurologists and neurosurgeons have achieved significant success in treating severe neurological pathologies. Many patients from different countries seek their help. Treatment of diastematomyelia in Israel is carried out according to a comprehensive scheme, including necessary surgical interventions and supportive therapy. Timely seeking help from qualified specialists with experience in treating this pathology allows for the elimination of painful manifestations of the disease and improves the overall prognosis in more than 90% of cases.
The modern diagnostic equipment at the Ichilov clinic allows for an accurate assessment of all developed pathologies, identifying the smallest features of the disease and, as a result, selecting the most optimal methods to combat them. Innovative surgical techniques allow for a reduced rehabilitation period and help avoid complications and disability. Reviews from those who have undergone treatment for neurological pathologies requiring surgical intervention can be read and viewed in the corresponding section of this website.
Treatment Methods for Diastematomyelia
Diastematomyelia is a congenital anomaly of the spine characterized by the splitting of the spinal cord or cauda equina at the level of one or more vertebrae. The causes of this anomaly are related to the connection between the neural tube and the amniotic cavity or primary intestine. The splitting of the spinal cord occurs due to a bony, cartilaginous, or fibrous septum that arises from the posterior surface of the anterior wall and moves dorsally towards the spinal canal.
There are two types of diastematomyelia: type 1 – with a bony spur and type 2 – with a fibrous septum. This condition may be accompanied by other anomalies, such as myelomeningocele or lipomeningocele. In most patients with diastematomyelia, clinical manifestations are expressed in severe neurological and orthopedic pathology. Congenital scoliosis, paralytic clubfoot, and limb length discrepancy are the most commonly encountered accompanying symptoms.
Treatment methods are based on the results of clinical and instrumental examinations.
Observation
Asymptomatic patients generally do not require any treatment, but regular neurological and scheduled examinations are necessary to monitor whether the condition is worsening.
Surgery
Surgical treatment of the spine varies depending on the type of disease.
Types of surgical interventions:
Hernia Correction
Myelomeningocele, a defect that exposes the spinal cord, is repaired within the first days of life. The surgeon protects the spinal cord from further damage, removes as many problematic elements as possible, restores as much normal structure as possible, and then closes the membranes and skin over the spinal cord. This operation prevents further damage and significantly reduces the risk of infection.
Decompression Surgery
The most common surgery for diastematomyelia, called decompression surgery, involves the removal of a thin piece of bone or cartilage that separates the spinal cord. Removing this part provides more space for the spinal cord in the spine. Sometimes during the operation, the dura mater (the membrane of the spinal cord) is repaired.
Removal of Lipomas
Lipomyelomeningocele is treated by freeing the spinal cord from attachment to the lipoma, removing as much of the lipoma as possible, and closing the membranes over the spinal cord.
Removal of Tumours and Cysts
Tumours and cysts of the spinal cord can be removed using microsurgical resection. This type of surgery uses an operating microscope and very precise instruments to remove neoplasms from the spinal cord.
Skin Sinus Tract Surgery
The goals of surgical treatment of the skin sinus tract are to remove the tract that is not connected to the spinal cord and to prevent any loss (or any further loss) of neurological function.
Tethered Cord Syndrome Surgery
Tethered cord surgery depends on the cause of the tethering. Usually, the spine is opened from the back using laminectomy to reveal the location of the tether. The surgeon then carefully releases the constriction.
Diagnosis of Diastematomyelia
All diagnostic procedures at Ichilov are conducted in a timely manner. A comprehensive examination usually takes only three days.
The attending physician meets with the patient. The consultation includes taking a medical history, reviewing medical documentation, and a physical examination. A thorough neurological examination may reveal signs of the disease such as worsening function, pain, progressive weakness, asymmetry of reflexes, bladder and bowel disorders, paresis and spasticity, sensory disturbances, etc. These symptoms arise from damage to the spinal cord during ongoing growth with fixation, leading to tension in the cord itself and vessels and further disturbances in microcirculation and cerebrospinal fluid.
On this day, the doctor also orders additional diagnostic tests to clarify the diagnosis.
To identify the features of diastematomyelia, the following diagnostic tests may be required:
- X-ray
- Computed Tomography
- MRI
- Myelography
- Ultrasound
- Electromyography
The decision on the treatment protocol is made at a medical board. Physicians from related specialties collegially review each clinical case to avoid medical errors and select the most relevant methods for eliminating the pathology.
How Much Does Treatment of Diastematomyelia Cost
The cost of treatment is determined based on the selected treatment methods, which vary from case to case. The exact price is announced after a full examination and the development of a treatment plan at the clinic.
The approximate cost is calculated even at the stage of preparing for the trip for treatment. You can send a request for a price calculation using one of the contact forms on the website, call, or request a callback.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov
- Highly qualified specialists. At Ichilov, any patient can be treated by renowned experts whose achievements are recognized by the international medical community.
- Modern equipment. The medical technology at Ichilov clinic is regularly updated and allows for maximum accuracy in therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
- Individual approach. Each medical case is carefully assessed by an expert group, and the treatment scheme is personalized based on diagnostic results.
- Innovative surgical methods. At Ichilov, the latest achievements in the medical field are quickly implemented in practice. Patients at the clinic have access to the most modern treatments.
- Affordable prices. The cost of treatment in Israel matches the quality of leading medical centers worldwide, but the prices for treatment here are more accessible. On average, savings can reach 50%.
Timely seeking medical help significantly improves the overall prognosis.