ORTHOTIC TREATMENT AND WALKING ABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH MYELOMENINGOCELE

In 106 patients with myelomeningocele, which were fitted with orthotic devices, we analysed the influence of level of neurologic deficit, scoliosis and contractures of the lower extremities on different walking parameters, e.g. orthotic wearing time, durance of walking and velocity, step length and mobility status. The most important factor is the level of neurologic deficit. From a functional point of view a bilateral hip dislocation can be neglected. Whereas impairment of walking ability is strongly correlated with scoliosis of more than 50 degrees and unilateral hip dislocation; therefore both conditions should be treated operatively.