Orthopedic and neurosurgical treatment of severe kyphosis in myelomeningocele

Abstract

Kyphosis in myelomeningocele is characterized by a complex pattern of problems during development and therapy. On the one hand, decompensation of upright posture leads to loss of sitting ability and social integration; on the other hand, accompanying malformations and trophic alterations threaten the physical integrity and performance. Neurologic function, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, skeletal deformity and the urinary transport system need to be kept in mind and need to be treated with cooperation between the different specialties. Especially during serious surgical interventions such as spinal surgery, neither the nervous system nor the kidneys must be ignored. Sixteen patients underwent kyphectomy in the Orthopedic Department of the University of Mainz between 1993 and 1997, all of them supervised by the Neurosurgical Department. In 13 cases, transversal myelotomy was performed. No insufficiency of CSF circulation was seen; neither were there any CSF fistulae. Particular problems arose from the skin and soft tissue above the gibbus, the lack of muscles and the regeneration deficiency caused by trophic disorders. Therefore, a significantly higher complication rate was found than with other correctional operations.