Case series of four complex spinal deformities: new frontiers in pre-operative planning

Surgical Management of Myelomeningocele

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is one of the most common abnormalities of the central nervous system that causes significant neurological impairment. Traditionally, treatment consisted of postnatal closure with the management of the complications, such as ventricular shunting. MMC is a plausible candidate for in-utero surgery because of the mechanism of neurologic damage that begins with abnormal neurulation and continues throughout gestation. Researchers discussed the benefits of in-utero closure prior to the publication of the prospective randomized multicenter Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS trial). Compared to postnatal repair with maternal complications and prematurity as trade-offs, prenatal repair reduced shunting, reversed hindbrain herniation, and improved neurological function. This article discusses the diagnosis, evaluation, long-term follow-up, surgical options, and innovative treatment for fetal myelomeningocele.