Handicap and social status of adults with spina bifida cystica.

The present physical handicaps and social status of 202 survivors of spina bifida cystica attending The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street before 1954 are described. Ninety-three of the patients, mostly with uncomplicated meningocele, had escaped serious disability and were living normal lives. But 109 had a serious disability, including three who are mentally retarded. Some of the difficulties of living with spina bifida are described, and a record of work, marriage, and reproduction in the whole group of survivors is shown. Of the 106 with serious locomotor problems and/or incontinence, 58 work regularly, 17 have long spells off work, and 31 have never worked at all; 24 have married, 16 have 26 children none of whom has spina bifida. Of the 96 without physical handicap, 93 work regularly, 47 are married, and 34 have 75 children one of whom has spina bifida cystica and one anencephaly.