Here are six observations:
1. Ms. Siggins had been born with Caudal regression syndrome, also known as sacral agenesis, which is an abnormal development of caudal partition in the lower spine during the fetal stage.
2. Caudal regression syndrome, which affects approximately 1 in 25,000 live births, occurs in a variety of forms, ranging from partial absence of the tail bone regions of the spine to absence of the lower vertebrae, pelvis and parts of the thoracic and/or lumbar areas of the spine.
3. In cases where only a small part of the spine is absent, there may be no outward sign of the condition, but in cases where more substantial spines are absent, there may be fused, webbed or smaller lower extremities and paralysis.
4. The condition affects the bowel and bladder control, so some patients may require a permanent colostomy in the case of imperforate anus.
5. Incontinence may also require some type of continence control system (i.e. self-catheterization) be utilized.
6. In rare cases where deformities of the knees, legs or feet don’t respond to corrective action, amputation at the knee may be proposed, such as in the case of Ms. Siggins.
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