Do foot deformities occur in ambulatory or non-ambulatory children?

Do foot deformities occur in ambulatory or non-ambulatory children?

• A. Both ambulatory and non-ambulatory
• B. Only ambulatory
• C. Only non-ambulatory
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

Foot deformities in children with myelomeningocele come from neurogenic muscle imbalance and fixed soft-tissue contractures below the level of the lesion. Because this imbalance affects how the foot is positioned and functions, these deformities can appear regardless of whether a child can walk. Ambulatory children may have deformities like clubfoot, equinus, or hindfoot varus that complicate gait and often require braces or surgery, while non-ambulatory children can have similar deformities from contractures and altered muscle balance, which also impact care and mobility potential. The key idea is that foot deformities are a common orthopedic issue in spina bifida and can occur in both groups, not confined to one function level.

Foot deformities in children with myelomeningocele come from neurogenic muscle imbalance and fixed soft-tissue contractures below the level of the lesion. Because this imbalance affects how the foot is positioned and functions, these deformities can appear regardless of whether a child can walk. Ambulatory children may have deformities like clubfoot, equinus, or hindfoot varus that complicate gait and often require braces or surgery, while non-ambulatory children can have similar deformities from contractures and altered muscle balance, which also impact care and mobility potential. The key idea is that foot deformities are a common orthopedic issue in spina bifida and can occur in both groups, not confined to one function level.