Congenital and acquired orthopedic abnormalities in patients with myelomeningocele Radiographics

Description: This article presents a radiologic review of the spectrum of acquired and congenital orthopedic abnormalities found in patients with myelomeningocele. These abnormalities are caused predominantly by muscle imbalance, paralysis, and decreased sensation in the lower extremity. Iatrogenic injury, such as a postoperative tethered cord, may also cause bone abnormalities. Selected images were obtained from more than 800 children. Important entities presented include spinal curvatures such as kyphosis, scoliosis, and lordosis; subluxation and dislocation of the hip, coxa valga, contractures of the hip, and femoral torsion; knee deformities; rotational abnormalities of the lower extremity and external and internal torsion; ankle and foot abnormalities such as ankle valgus, calcaneus foot, congenital vertical talus (rocker-bottom deformity), and talipes equinovarus; and metaphyseal, diaphyseal, and physeal fractures.
RadioGraphics, Vol 12, 1155-1173 1992 MA Westcott, MC Dynes, EM Remer, JS Donaldson and LS Dias Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL.