Myelokyphectomy in Spina Bifida: The Modified Fackler/Sagittal Shilla Technique

Severe focal kyphosis occurs in about 10% of infants with myelomeningocele with the apex of the curve centered around the second lumbar vertebra. The kyphosis is fixed in nature and is usually associated with a compensatory thoracic lordosis proximally. Indications for surgery include an impaired sitting balance, recurrent skin ulcerations, respiratory depression, and pain. The Modified Fackler/Sagittal Shilla technique is used to solve these problems in a child nine years of age or younger. It combines aspects of both the Shilla technique described by McCarthy and the originally described Fackler technique for myelokyphosis.
Source: Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research