The effect of soft tissue release of the hips on walking in myelomeningocele

Walking and standing capacity in myelomeningocele is highly dependent on th e level of the neurological lesion. Deformities, mainly flexion deformities , of the hip can severely interfere with mobility. In a retrospective study , undertaken in our hospital, we evaluated the role of soft tissue release of the hip in patients with hip flexion contractures. A special surgical te chnique was performed in 55 hips. The results show a good effect on vertica lization, even if the hip joints cannot be extended actively. A subluxated or dislocated hip did not influence the final outcome. During the mean foll ow-up of approximately 4 years, only a slight recurrence of the former defo rmity was observed. Most of the patients obtained great advantage from the operation.