Myelomeningocele Management and Complications Quiz

Management and Complications of Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida)

• In-utero repair of myelomeningocele (MM) during pregnancy reduces the need for shunting and increases the likelihood of walking without devices.
• Children with MM often experience musculoskeletal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and hip dysplasia.
• Motor level indicates the lowest intact, functional neuromuscular segment and is used to classify the severity of MM.
• High level lesions (Thoracic to L2) typically present with hip and knee contractures, scoliosis, and require assistive devices for ambulation.
• The newest classification for children with MM includes parapodium and mid to low lumbar lesions, each with specific functional abilities and ambulation requirements.
• Children with sacral lesions may walk without orthoses or upper limb support, but may experience mild to moderate gait abnormalities.
• Sensory deficits in children with MM often do not correlate with motor level and may skip levels, necessitating comprehensive testing.
• Hydrocephalus is a common co-morbidity in children with MM, often requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunting to manage fluid accumulation in the brain.
• Chiari II malformation, a deformity of the cerebellum and spinal cord, is common in children with MM and can lead to hydrocephalus.
• Cognitive and language dysfunction, latex allergy, upper limb dyscoordination, spasticity, and seizures are additional complications associated with MM.
• Surgical management for Chiari II malformation may involve posterior fossa decompression and cervical spinal laminectomy to relieve pressure on the brainstem.
• Children with MM may experience a range of complications, including cognitive dysfunction, language dysfunction, latex allergy, and upper limb dyscoordination, among others.

Test your knowledge of the management and complications of myelomeningocele (spina bifida) with this quiz. Explore topics such as in-utero repair, musculoskeletal deformities, motor level classification, hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformation, and other associated complications.