Meningomyelocele: "pitfalls" in early and late management.

Meningomyelocele is a dynamic ever evolving disease. Children surviving the neonatal period remain at risk for a variety of related neurosurgical problems which are only being recognized as that affected population grows larger and older. The least afflicted children are the most vulnerable, as they have more function which may be further impaired. It is essential that the spina bifida clinic be aware of these potential problems and remain responsive to the changing medical and surgical needs of this "aging" patient population.