[Fractures and epiphyseal injuries in children with myelomeningocele]

Between February 1971 and February 1988, 947 children with myelomeningocele were treated at the Model Center of Heidelberg University Orthopedic Clinic. In 82 of these children, a total of 224 osseous lesions were seen. Metaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures were far more common than epiphyseal lesions, among which epiphysiolysis dominated. Diagnostically important symptoms included swelling, local hyperthermia, and high temperature. Owing to the paralysis, pain is of no value in diagnosing fractures. Protruding periosteal detachments are a common feature of lesions, and if this special form of healing of such fractures is unknown they may cause problems in differential diagnosis. Fractures in children with spina bifida should be treated conservatively, except for fractures of the femoral neck and epiphyseal lesions, which are treated with transcutaneous Kirschner wiring. Immobilization in plaster, postoperatively and during treatment of the injury, is the most common cause of osseous lesions in spina bifida children. Immobilization in plaster should therefore be minimized.