Ambulation after transfer of adductors, external oblique, and tensor fascia lata in myelomeningocele.

Forty-seven patients with myelomeningocele underwent triple (adductor, external oblique, and tensor fascia lata) transfers or double (adductor and external oblique) transfers and were retrospectively reviewed. Six patients lost significant neurologic function during the 4-years 6-month follow-up. Thirty-seven of the remaining 41 patients had improved gait pattern. Seventeen required less bracing after the muscle transfers. The need for assistive devices decreased in 21 patients. Twenty-seven were able to ambulate independently postoperatively as compared with seven preoperatively. The muscle transfers are indicated in midlumbar and lowlumbar spina bifida patients to improve hip stability, control, balance, and gait pattern.