We report the results of a prospective study of the surgical release of 45 knee flexion contractures in 28 patients with myelomeningocele. The neurosegmental level was thoracic in ten patients, L1/2 in one, L3/4 in 11, and L5/S1 in six. In walkers the indication for surgery was a fixed flexion contracture impeding walking, and in non-walking patients it was a flexion contracture impeding transfers or sitting balance, or likely to do so with increasing deformity.

The mean age at surgery was 6.4 years (3 to 21) and the mean period of follow-up 13 years (4 to 20). The mean knee flexion contracture before surgery was 39° (25 to 70) which improved to 5° at maximum correction and to 13° at latest follow-up.

We conclude that surgical release of knee flexion contractures in myelomeningocele improves gait in all children who walk, particularly those with low lumbar lesions. Recurrence of knee flexion contractures after surgical release is most common in those with thoracic lesions who do not achieve independent walking.