Functional motor outcome in children with myelomeningocele: correlation with anatomic level on prenatal ultrasound.

Fifteen children with prenatally diagnosed myelomeningocele were followed for at least three years to determine the relations between prenatal anatomic level visualized on high-resolution ultrasound, radiographic level, neuromotor level and functional motor outcome. Prenatal anatomic level accurately predicted neuromotor level and functional motor outcome in 12 of the children and was a better predictor than motor level at birth. Clinicians involved in prenatal counseling may use the anatomic level determined on high-resolution ultrasound to discuss motor prognosis with families.