Conjoined is a term used to describe a medical condition where two or more individuals are born physically connected to each other. This condition is also referred to as Siamese twins, which is the name given to a pair of conjoined twins born in Siam, now known as Thailand, in the 19th century. Conjoined twins occur when an embryo only partially separates after fertilization, resulting in twins that are physically joined.
Conjoined twins have fascinated people for centuries. The idea of two individuals sharing the same body and organs is both perplexing and awe-inspiring. In this article, we will explore what conjoined means and why it’s so fascinating.
Types of Conjoined Twins
Conjoined twins can be classified into five different types depending on the way their bodies are connected.
1. Thoracopagus
Thoracopagus twins are conjoined twins who are joined at the chest wall, with their hearts, and sometimes their livers, fused together.
2. Craniopagus
Craniopagus twins are joined at the head, with some of their brain tissues fused together.
3. Omphalopagus
Omphalopagus is the most common type of conjoined twins, accounting for around 33% of all conjoined twins. These twins are joined at the abdomen, with a shared liver, but separate hearts.
4. Ischiopagus
Ischiopagus twins are joined at the pelvis, either by their sacrum, pelvis, or hip. They may also share some of their reproductive organs.
5. Parapagus
Parapagus twins have separate heads and necks, but they are joined at the abdomen or lower back.
Conjoined Twins Statistics
Conjoined twins are rare, occurring only once in about every 200,000 live births. However, the actual incidence of conjoined twins is thought to be higher due to early miscarriages and stillbirths.
Conjoined twins occur randomly and are not hereditary. They also occur more frequently in females than males, with a ratio of 3:1. Approximately 40-60% of conjoined twins are stillborn, and the survival rate of the remaining twins is only around 35%.
Cause of Conjoined Twins
The exact cause of conjoined twins is still unknown, but it is thought that the condition occurs due to the failure of the embryo to fully separate.
This occurs when a fertilized egg begins to split into identical twins but fails to do so completely. The twins end up being joined in various parts of their bodies. It is also believed that environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation or toxins, can increase the risk of conjoined twins.
Separation Surgery
Separation surgery is a complex procedure that involves separating the shared organs and tissues of conjoined twins. The surgery is highly risky and can result in one or both of the twins dying.
In addition, even if the surgery is successful, some of the twins may experience serious health issues, such as neurological damage, paralysis, or loss of organs.
Famous Conjoined Twins
Throughout history, there have been many cases of conjoined twins who became famous due to their unique condition. Here are some of the most notable cases:
- Chang and Eng Bunker, the original “Siamese twins”, who were joined at the chest and toured the world as a circus act in the 19th century.
- Abby and Brittany Hensel, who are joined at the torso and have separate heads, arms, and legs. They have been featured in numerous TV shows and documentaries.
- Millie and Christine McCoy, who were born into slavery in 1851 and became famous performers in the vaudeville circuit. They were joined at the lower back and shared a pelvis, but had separate hearts and stomachs.
Myths About Conjoined Twins
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding conjoined twins. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Conjoined Twins Share a Mind
This is a common myth that suggests that conjoined twins share the same thoughts and feelings. However, this is not true. Conjoined twins have separate brains and can think and feel separately, just like any other individuals.
2. Conjoined Twins Always Die Young
Although the survival rate of conjoined twins is low, some twins have lived long and healthy lives. For example, Ronnie and Donnie Galyon, who are joined at the waist with a shared pelvis, are the world’s oldest living conjoined twins. They are in their 60s and live together in Dayton, Ohio.
3. Conjoined Twins Are Monsters
This is a myth that dates back to ancient times when conjoined twins were seen as a sign of bad luck or punishment from the gods. However, conjoined twins are not monsters but rather individuals who happen to be physically connected to each other.
Conclusion
Conjoined twins are a fascinating medical condition that has captivated people for centuries. Although they may face many challenges and uncertainties, conjoined twins are unique individuals who have a lot to teach us about the human body and spirit.
FAQs
- What does conjoined mean?
- What is the cause of conjoined twins?
- What is the survival rate of conjoined twins?
- What is separation surgery for conjoined twins?
- Do conjoined twins always die young?
Conjoined means physically attached or connected together.
The exact cause of conjoined twins is still unknown, but it is thought to occur due to the failure of the embryo to fully separate.
The survival rate of conjoined twins is only around 35%.
Separation surgery is a complex procedure that involves separating the shared organs and tissues of conjoined twins. The surgery is highly risky and can result in one or both of the twins dying.
No, although the survival rate of conjoined twins is low, some twins have lived long and healthy lives.
References
1. Conjoined Twins – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/conjoined-twins/symptoms-causes/syc-20375139
2. Conjoined Twins – National Geographic. (n.d.). National Geographic. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/conjoined-twins
3. Conjoined Twins – MedlinePlus. (n.d.). MedlinePlus. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/conjoinedtwins.html