The management of kyphosis in patients with myelomeningocele

Kyphosis in myelomeningocele is a progressive condition, which can lead to severe deterioration of function and skin ulceration over the apex of the kyphus. Since bracing is impractical, surgical correction and stabilization is the recommended method of management. Three different techniques are in current use. An anterior procedure using a plate and u-bolt shackles, an anterior approach using a bone strut, and a posterior approach excising a wedge, and the spinal cord if it is functionless. We recommend the wedge excision combined with posterior Harrington compression instrumentation and spinal fusion extending well above and below the resection. Regardless of the approach used, it is the long spinal fusion both anterior and posterior, which will maintain correction.