Spina Bifida (Myelodysplasia) Program
About us
Children's Hospital Boston's Spina Bifida (Myelodysplasia) Program offers extensive diagnostic, treatment, support and follow-up services for children with spina bifida, also known as myelodysplasia and their families. Our orthopedic surgeons, urologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, nurses, orthopedists and physical and occupational therapists have an intricate understanding of the many symptoms and complications that can affect children with spina bifida.
From our laboratories—where our researchers are working daily to reach new insights into the disease—to our renowned Augmentative Communication Program, we are committed to providing exceptional care for patients and families living with spina bifida.
At Children's Spina Bifida Program, our specialists:
- perform prenatal ultrasound imaging to confirm or eliminate a possible diagnosis of spina bifida
- begin every child's treatment with a comprehensive evaluation that involves you and your family
- design and prescribe corrective casts and other orthotic devices
- are extensively trained in sophisticated surgical procedures
- offer physical therapy and occupational therapy services built around the needs of your child and family
Our Spina Bifida Program is at the forefront of patient care for children with spina bifida. At the same time, we bolster our clinical advances through important scientific research that asks—and works to answer—pressing questions about spina bifida and related disorders, such as:
- What are the best monitoring techniques during spinal surgery?
- What causes certain types of fractures in kids with spina bifida?
How and why does tethered spinal cord occur in some children with spina bifida, and what is the best approach to treating it?
Did you know? Children?s has an on-site orthotics shop
Here at Children's, patients and families living with spina bifida don't have to travel far in search of customized orthotics. The National Orthotics & Prosthetics Company (NOPCO) Brace Shop, an independent store with a location on the hospital's main campus, makes everything from special spinal supports to prosthetic limbs and cranial helmets. The shop was opened in 1972 by Jonathan Hall, MD, former Children's Orthopaedic Surgeon-in-Chief. For more information, please visit the NOPCO website.
