Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes and complications in patients with myelomeningocele who have undergone spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis.

Material and methods:

Retrospective study of 40 consecutive patients with myelomeningocele with neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent spinal arthrodesis, treated at our center between July 1991 and July 2028.

Results:

Mean follow up was 10 years. There were 19 male and 21 females. The average age at operation was 13 years. The mean preoperative scoliosis curve was 90o. At last follow up, the mean scoliosis curve was 43o. Mean correction of 52%. The average of pelvic obliquity was 19o. At last follow up de obliquity was 9o. Mean correction of 53%. The mean preoperative coronal balance was 28.4 mm. At the last follow up it was 17 mm. Mean correction of 40%. The mean preoperative kyphosis was 50o. At the last follow up it was 41o. Mean correction of 18%. The mean preoperative sagittal balance was 63.3 mm. At the last follow up it was 38.3 mm. Mean correction of 40%. There were 13 complications (32.5%), with infection being the most frequently observed complication.

Conclusions:

The goals of the spinal surgery in patients with MMC are to obtain a stable, balanced and painless spinal fusion. Although the surgical treatment of these patients remains difficult, it is associated with high complication rate.