[Spine deformities induced by irradiation of Wilm's tumors (author's transl)]

Abstract

A follow-up study on spine deformities of 59 consecutive Wilm's tumors treated between 1950 and 1963 was conducted. The selected cases had no metastasis at any time and had reached end of growth (16 years old of bone age). Treatment was surgery, chemotherapy and radiationtherapy mostly was 200 KV and partially with CO 60. This study showed 65p. 100 kyphosis greater than 10 degree between T9 and L3 (normal less than 5 degree) and 40p. 100 scoliosis both induced by alteration of vertebral growth and by sclerosis of soft tissues. -- Kyphosis even slight seemed to induce more pain in adult age than scoliosis. -- This work demonstrates also that growth spurt produces increased deformities. Therefore it is necessary to wait the end of growth before the evaluation of the results. Finally the most important for prevention is to irradiate as symmetrically as possible in the 3 planes of the body. The results of surgical treatment are reported and principles of early bracing for prevention are mentioned.