Managing Scarcity (Health Services Management)

Myelodysplasia and associated malformations of the central nervous system generally are managed by neurosurgeons, while disturbance of locomotion, deformity of the skeletal system, neurogenic bladder, and bowel malfunctions of patients with spina bifida are treated by orthopedists, urologists, pediatric neurologists, physical therapists, and other specialists. Manifestation of these disorders is not limited by age distribution, but the therapeutical implications of the malfunctions may vary by age group from infancy to adulthood. The Second International Symposium on Spina Bifida, one in a series of three, focused on treatment of patients from elementary school age to adolescence. Papers presented in the areas of neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, pediatric neurology, and nursing provided a comprehensive view of current trends in the care, management, and treatment of spina bifida.