Excision and wire fixation of rigid myelomeningocele kyphosis

The results of vertebral excision and wire fixation of rigid progressive congenital kyphotic curves in nine children with myelomeningocele are detailed. Mean follow-up was 5.4 years. Age at operation ranged from 3.3 to 13.3 years. An average correction of 41% of a mean curve of 127 degrees was achieved. In three patients, greater than 50% correction was lost by the time of follow-up. The goals of postural stability and skin ulceration control were achieved. Complications included cast ulcers, long bone fractures, and wire protrusion. An ideal age for surgery was not identified. For patients less than 12 years of age, the growth rate (kg/year) accelerated after operation.