Year: 2025 | Month: January | Volume: 15 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 251-256
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250133
Mobile Sitting and Standing Corpus for Myelomeningocele - A Case Study
Chidatmika Mohanty1, Madhusmita Lakra2, Rashmita Dash3
Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics
Swami Vivekananda National Institute for Rehabilitation Training and Research, Olatpur, Post- Bairoi, Cuttack, Odisha, India
Corresponding Author: Rashmita Dash
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect and a major birth defect. It is an embryological abnormality that results in a myriad of complex neuromuscular problems. Children with spina bifida can be classified according to the level of neurological involvement or functional impairment. The incidence of myelomeningocele is slightly higher in females than males, at a ratio of 1.3:1. Musculoskeletal deformity and sensory deficits are common and, depending on the level of involvement, can adversely affect the child’s abilities and functioning in the community. Because of the complexity of this major birth defect, orthotic management is critical for the child’s function and is a challenging endeavour for the orthotist. Specific issues that warrant particular attention include hip disorders (e.g., dislocation, subluxation, and contractures), knee flexion/extension contractures, and foot/ankle deformities (e.g., equino-varus, clubfoot). In these cases, the orthotic goal(s) should be preventing deformity and maintaining proper joint alignment in order to achieve appropriate muscle balance during development. Achievement of these goals can facilitate the initiation of proper weight bearing and future ambulation.
Method: The patient had poor strength in muscles of lower limbs which didn’t allow independent standing. He was also not able to switch positions between sitting to standing and vice versa. The strength and ROM of the muscles of the lower limb were thoroughly assessed by the help of Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). As the patient is undergoing continuous therapeutically exercises focusing particularly on independent standing and sitting balance with strengthening on the core muscles, we decided to go for fabrication of a mobile sitting and standing corpus.
Result & Conclusion: The mobile sitting and standing corpus allow mobility for severely non-ambulatory individuals in both sitting and standing position. It is an approach to provide mobility and independence for children born with myelomeningocele. The design provides full body support with independent sitting and standing with increased mobility which is much needed when the child leaves the home environment for a long period of time. It is made with easily available materials. The designed device is an alternative to the wheelchair, where it is easy to carry and requires no such adjustability. The device takes less space for positioning and the patient can be easily seated within the device.
Key words: Myelomeningocele, Mobility device, Ambulation