Efficacy of surgical management for scoliosis in myelomeningocele: correction of deformity and alteration of functional status.

The effect of spinal fusion for paralytic scoliosis in 49 patients with myelomeningocele was studied. Improved sitting balance was seen in 70% of the patients following anterior and posterior fusions, 67% following posterior fusion alone, and 28% after anterior fusion alone. The ability to ambulate was adversely affected in 67% of the patients who had undergone combined anterior and posterior fusions, in 57% following anterior fusion alone, and in 27% following posterior fusion alone. Sitting is likely to be improved but ambulation may be more difficult following spinal correction and fusion.