Spina bifida is a common nervous system malformation and it encompasses a wide array of presentations with diverse orthopedic challenges. Manifestations of this disease can include dislocates hips, joint contractures, spine deformity such as scoliosis or kyphosis, clubfeet and limb rotational deformities. Additionally, many of these patients are non-ambulatory and prone to osteoporosis induced pathological fractures. The care of spina bifida patients is a challenging one, requiring many health care professionals from different areas to be working in conjunction. Nowadays, spina bifida patients live longer due to advances in health care and improving the quality of life of these patients is paramount.
Part of the book: Spina Bifida and Craniosynostosis
Osteogenic sarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer frequently affecting children and teenagers. Despite many years of research, little have the survival rates changed in the last fifty years. Early diagnosis, a complete systemic treatment program with a good tumor response and adequate margins continue to be the main determinants of patients’ prognosis in this disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and subsequent adjuvant systemic treatment remain the standard of care. Numerous reconstruction options available provide these patients better function and improved quality of life.
Part of the book: Recent Advances in Bone Tumours and Osteoarthritis