Degree of confidence

MRI is a noninvasive technique and is ideal for children, because it does not use ionizing radiation. In addition, MRI has an advantage over CT scanning in the degree of detail of the posterior cranial fossa cord that it provides. Early clinical and MRI evaluations are necessary to determine whether infants with achondroplasia have cervicomedullary compression. With early recognition, an immediate decompression can be performed safely to avoid serious complications associated with cervicomedullary compression, including sudden death.