The records of all thirteen patients for whom a diagnosis of cloacal
exstrophy had been recorded in our hospitals were analyzed for evidence of
musculoskeletal problems. All thirteen patients had spina bifida, four had
congenital scoliosis, two had congenital kyphosis, and three had
non-congenital scoliosis. All had a lipomeningocele, and eleven had
paralysis of the lower extremities. Hydrocephalus and its associated
problems were not found, but tethered-cord syndrome was diagnosed in eleven
patients. Persistent diastasis of the symphysis pubis was found in all
patients. Abduction and external rotation of the hips were more than
normal. Mild dysplasia was seen in six of the twenty-six hips. Deformities
of the foot were common, and twelve feet had been operated on for
correction. Recurrent equinovarus deformity of the foot was associated with
tethered-cord syndrome in two patients.