Final answer:
A congenital block is a condition where adjacent vertebrae are fused from birth, often leading to a 'wasp waist' appearance and hypoplastic discs. It can be associated with other developmental conditions such as spina bifida and craniosynostosis, affecting the spinal cord and skull development respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
A congenital block refers to when adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column are osseously fused from birth. This condition is often associated with morphological changes such as a 'wasp waist' appearance and hypoplastic discs. Hypoplastic discs are underdeveloped intervertebral discs that may result from the congenital fusion, leading to less cushioning between the vertebrae. The condition can be related to genetic factors, but environmental influences during fetal development may also play a role.
Associated findings with congenital vertebral fusion include disorders such as spina bifida, where the spinal cord and surrounding structures do not form properly. Spina bifida can result in a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the condition. Additionally, conditions like kyphosis and lordosis, which refer to excessive curvatures of the spine, may develop when vertebral anomalies exist. Craniosynostosis is another condition that involves the early fusion of cranial sutures, leading to abnormal skull growth and potential brain development issues.