Kyphosis correction as an option for surgical treatment of meningomyelocele in a newborn: immediate results of two clinical cases and literature review

Abstract

Objective. To analyze immediate results of meningomyelocele closure with simultaneous kyphectomy in newborns.Material and Methods. In two newborns, correction of kyphosis by vertebrectomy and decancellation of the apical vertebral body was performed simultaneously during surgery for meningomyeloceleResults. In both cases, extensive mobilization of soft tissues to close the skin defect was not required, while a significant correction of kyphoticdeformity was noted. The postoperative wound healed by primary intention on days 9–11. The follow-up period was 11 and 8 months.Only 34 such operations in newborns were reported in the literature. All the authors noted the absence of postoperative wound complications typical for meningomyelocele repair without an orthopedic stage. In small series with a long follow-up period there was a gradual loss of correction after such operations, but without the formation of angular kyphosis requiring repeated kyphectomy.Conclusion. Kyphectomy in newborns with meningomyelocele provided the possibility of effective closure of the skin defect and uncomplicated healing of the postoperative wound.