Distal cordectomies as treatment for lumbosacral myelomeningoceles.

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of distal cordectomies on motor function in the lower extremities of infants with lumbosacral myelomeningoceles.

METHODS: Medical records were reviewed in 32 infants with lumbosacral myelomeningoceles who were 1 day to 7 months old, who had some lower-extremity function preoperatively, and who were treated by distal cordectomies, dividing the cord between its exit from the intact spinal canal and the neural placode. Neurological function was evaluated before and after operation by therapists who were unaware of the surgical technique.

RESULTS: Neurological function was unchanged after operation in 29 of 32 cases. For the others, hip flexion, foot plantar flexion, and toe movement were lost in 1 case each.

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of infants treated by distal cordectomies retain preoperative motor function after operation.