SPINA BIFIDA: Fabian wears ORTHESIS and wants to become a FARMER
If you look for Fabian, you'll usually find him in the barn. The 11-year-old loves helping his grandfather on the farm. His dream is to become a farmer one day. The way the student from Lower Bavaria deals with his spina bifida condition is absolutely fascinating! Because Fabian cannot walk on his own without help, he uses very special aids for the various tasks on the farm. Orthotics, a wheelchair and a therapy bike ensure that he can live independently. With them, he even moves from A to B so quickly that our camera team almost can't keep up...
What is spina bifida? 🤓
Myelomenigocele (MMC), also known as spina bifida, is a congenital birth deformity of the spinal cord caused by failed neural tube closure during embryonic development. Symptoms of MMC vary widely.
There are two different types of spina bifida:
• Spina bifida occulta: This form of spina bifida is not noticeable from the outside. The vertebral arch is split but neither the spinal cord coverings or the spinal cord itself are affected. Since spinal bifida occulta is usually symptomless, no treatment is necessary.
• Spina bifida aperta: Spina bifida aperta is the open or visible form of spina bifida. Symptoms vary depending on how large the spinal gap is and which parts of the spinal cord are affected.
*Symptoms of spina bifida*.
In two thirds of all cases, the spinal cord is damaged in the area of the lumbar spine or below. Symptoms range from increased sensitivity in the area of the lower extremities to minor impairments of walking ability and paraplegia. Disorders of bladder and bowel function can also occur.
In addition, MMC can lead to deformities of the spine and legs.
The walking ability of patients with MMC primarily depends on the level of neurological damage. Walking ability is generally not achieved in persons with affected segments of L2 or higher.
For paralysis levels between L2 and L4, walking ability is possible but usually restricted. In these cases, children rarely walk more than one hour a day and are otherwise reliant on a wheelchair for mobility. Children who have MMC affecting the lumbosacral region are usually able to walk well with the help of orthoses or insoles.
Foot deformities such as club foot and pes calcaneus are common in patients with MMC. In addition, hip contractures or hip dislocations due to muscular imbalances may also occur. Muscle imbalances can also lead to flexion or extension contractures at the knee joints. Spinal deformities such as scoliosis (estimated to affect one in two patients), fractures, and epiphysiolysis can also occur. Neurological problems resulting from Hydrocephalus have also been observed.
For children with MMC, learning to stand and walk requires extensive orthopedic and rehabilitation interventions and intensive movement therapy. On occasion, surgical operations on the feet, knee, hip and spine are required.
Mehr Infos über die Krankheit Spina bifida bzw. "offener Rücken":
🌎 www.pohlig.net/en/spina-bifida
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1 ноя 2022
