The influence of scoliosis brace treatment on function in children with myelomeningocele.
The influence of Boston brace treatment on the functional and motor ability of children with scoliosis secondary to myelomeningocele was studied in a consecutive series of 20 children of 5-19 years of age. Motor activity, ADL function and ambulation ability were assessed before brace treatment and then annually during the treatment period, which lasted an average of 2.7 years (range 0.6-8.7 years). Thirteen children were followed-up one year after braces were removed. The effect of brace treatment on the scoliosis was favourable as is reported elsewhere. The children's motor activity and ADL function remained unchanged during brace treatment, but brace wearing was accompanied by a decreased ambulatory skill. This may partly be explained by a slight increase of flexion contractures of the hips during treatment. Patients with useful ambulation ability kept this ability up even during brace treatment. Considering the favourable effect of brace treatment on the scoliosis curve and the few complications encountered, we recommend brace treatment for scoliosis in patients with myelomeningocele.
Berned Müller
E
E
Regional Paediatric Habilitation Centre, University of Göteborg, Sahlgren Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Nordwall
A
A
von Wendt
L
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001915:Braces / Q000592:standards*; D002648:Child; D003286:Contracture / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications*; D009048:Motor Skills; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation