Conjoined legs: Sirenomelia or caudal regression syndrome?

Indian J Orthop. 2013 Jul;47(4):413-6. doi: 10.4103/0019-5413.114936.

Abstract

Presence of single umbilical persistent vitelline artery distinguishes sirenomelia from caudal regression syndrome. We report a case of a12-year-old boy who had bilateral umbilical arteries presented with fusion of both legs in the lower one third of leg. Both feet were rudimentary. The right foot had a valgus rocker-bottom deformity. All toes were present but rudimentary. The left foot showed absence of all toes. Physical examination showed left tibia vara. The chest evaluation in sitting revealed pigeon chest and elevated right shoulder. Posterior examination of the trunk showed thoracic scoliosis with convexity to right. The patient was operated and at 1 year followup the boy had two separate legs with a good aesthetic and functional results.

Keywords: Caudal regression syndrome; conjoined legs; ectromelia; sirenomelia.