Modern Management of Myelomeningocele

This book is written for all who see and treat the myelomeningocele child, including both professional and paramedical personnel. It is designed to provide information on two levels, an overview and details of specific therapy. It is intended that this book will provide an understanding of the total treatment problem that is necessary for all who become involved with these children and that the specialist will be able to benefit from techniques which have proved successful and avoid mistakes made by the authors. While concern is for 'function', this does not mean function of the child in an artificial situation (the hospital) or function of an independent organ system, but rather how these children will be able to perform in their natural environment, which should be their home, playground, and school. This is the criteria by which all treatment should be planned and results evaluated. The long term success depends on whether or not these children can become functional adults and can be assimilated into society as normal individuals without special attention.