Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

3D Printing Model of a Patient's Specific Lumbar Vertebra
Published on: April 14, 2023
Multidisciplinary Management of Children with Occult Spinal Dysraphism: A Comprehensive Journey from Birth to
Ignazio G Vetrano1,2, Arianna Barbotti1, Alessandra Erbetta3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Insights
A multidisciplinary team approach improves outcomes for children with occult spinal dysraphism (OSD). This coordinated care model streamlines management from birth through adulthood, enhancing efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Developmental Neurology
- Urology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) encompasses developmental failures impacting the genitourinary tract, spine, and lower limbs, leading to progressive neurological decline.
- Managing OSD requires lifelong care, often involving multiple specialists, posing challenges for patients and families.
- Current fragmented care models can lead to coordination issues, appointment delays, and decreased efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach on the outcomes of children with OSD.
- To analyze the effectiveness of MDT management across different age groups, from infancy to adulthood.
- To propose a schematic plan for implementing and advocating for MDT care in OSD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a cohort of 141 children with OSD who underwent neurosurgical procedures.
- Implementation of a multidisciplinary team including pediatric neurosurgeons, urologists, neurologists, and orthopedists.
- Evaluation of patient outcomes and care efficiency in relation to the MDT approach.
Main Results:
- The MDT model facilitated simultaneous consultations, ensuring comprehensive patient assessment.
- This integrated approach prevented coordination problems and appointment delays, optimizing care delivery.
- The study demonstrated improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced parental satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for effective OSD management.
- Integrated care models improve outcomes and patient experience for individuals with OSD.
- The findings support the establishment of a standardized MDT framework for OSD care.
Abstract:
Occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) comprises different forms of failure in embryogenic development that can lead to genitourinary, spinal, or lower limb alterations, thus determining progressive neurological deterioration. The correct management of children harboring OSD represents a significant issue during their life up to adulthood. However, patients often have to entertain individual consultations with each specialist. We settled on a multidisciplinary team comprising pediatric neurosurgeons, urologists, neurologists, orthopedists, and other supporting physicians. We present the results of such actions by analyzing a series of 141 children with OSD subjected to neurosurgical procedures, evaluating the impact of multidisciplinary management on outcomes. We also evaluated the specific actions according to the different ages of OSD patients from birth to adulthood to provide a schematic plan that could represent a basis for establishing and disseminating the need for a multidisciplinary approach in OSD management. The multidisciplinary team allows all consultants to see the patient together, covering specific aspects of history and examination pertinent to their management. Offering a one-stop service prevents coordination issues between the different medical teams, avoids delays or cancellations of the various appointments, optimizes cost-effectiveness, and improves efficiency and parents' satisfaction.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

