The operative treatment of spinal deformities in MMC.

The results of the operative treatment of scoliosis in 12 patients with MMC and in two patients with associated severe kyphosis are presented. In scoliosis only multi-segmental methods combined with ventral procedures allow a postoperative care without brace or cast. The angle before and after operation with the CDI or CDI/VDS procedures averaged 80.3 degrees and 38.2 degrees respectively (mean corrections of 41.5 degrees and 51.6%). The results show that patients with scoliosis with MMC had a approximately 30% greater preoperative angle than patients with idiopathic scoliosis. An early operation (in progressive curves with more than 30 degrees) may reduce the number and severity of complications.