Efficacy of surgical management for scoliosis in myelomeningocele: correction of deformity and alteration of functional status

• Published in: Journal of pediatric orthopaedics Vol. 6; no. 5; p. 568
• Main Authors: Mazur, J, Menelaus, M B, Dickens, D R, Doig, W G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-1986
• Subjects: Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Meningomyelocele - complications; Meningomyelocele - surgery; Postoperative Complications; Scoliosis - etiology; Scoliosis - physiopathology; Scoliosis - surgery; Spinal Fusion
• ISSN: 0271-6798
• DOI: 10.1097/01241398-198609000-00008

The effect of spinal fusion for paralytic scoliosis in 49 patients with myelomeningocele was studied. Improved sitting balance was seen in 70% of the patients following anterior and posterior fusions, 67% following posterior fusion alone, and 28% after anterior fusion alone. The ability to ambulate was adversely affected in 67% of the patients who had undergone combined anterior and posterior fusions, in 57% following anterior fusion alone, and in 27% following posterior fusion alone. Sitting is likely to be improved but ambulation may be more difficult following spinal correction and fusion.