Center for Spina Bifida
Michael Partington, M.D., Program Medical Director
Kim Baker, Program Manager, 651-229-3878, 800-719-4040
Gillette’s Center for Spina Bifida provides comprehensive, innovative treatment for people with spina bifida, beginning with repairing spinal cord damage immediately after birth. Because the effects of spina bifida require lifelong management and care, we support patients and families by discussing transition-planning for teens and adult-focused care at Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare.
As the largest spina bifida program in the Upper Midwest, our center works with local and national advocacy groups to raise awareness of spina bifida. We provide education and support to patients and families, and serve as a resource for health-care professionals.
Our Team Approach
Spina bifida is a complex condition involving the nervous, urinary, muscular and skeletal systems. It affects each patient differently depending on the extent and location of spinal cord damage. At Gillette, we use a collaborative approach that puts families at the center of the care team. Our specialists work together to offer a broad range of services tailored to the needs of each patient.
About Spina Bifida
Spina bifida occurs when the spinal cord, surrounding nerves and / or spinal column fail to develop normally during the first 28 weeks of gestation. It can cause paralysis and other complications below the affected area on the spine. Gillette treats all forms of spina bifida, including:
Specialists and Services
Spina bifida requires ongoing treatment for problems resulting from spinal cord damage. Gillette’s Center for Spina Bifida offers a broad range of medical specialists and services.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
In addition to performing repairs of spinal defects immediately after birth, Gillette neurosurgeons manage other medical issues – such as tethered spinal cords and hydrocephalus – as children with spina bifida grow and develop.
Pediatric Orthopaedics
Spina bifida causes permanent damage to the spine, which can result in full of partial paralysis. Our orthopaedic surgeons monitor how bones, muscles and joints develop in children who have spina bifida. They may recommend treatment such as orthoses (braces) or surgery.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
Pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists evaluate bone and muscle function in children with spina bifida. They discuss the need for rehabilitation services with patients and families, order therapy, prescribe medications and recommend specialized equipment.
Urology
Bowel, bladder and kidney complications are common in people who have spina bifida. Our urologists use medical and surgical techniques to help patients manage their bowel and bladder functions as independently as possible.
Pediatric Neurology
Approximately one in 20 people who have spina bifida develop seizures. Our neurologists evaluate and treat brain and nervous system problems, including seizures, in patients who have spina bifida.
Assistive Technology Department
Patients who have spina bifida often require assistive technology services from Gillette’s Assistive Technology Department (ATD). Our specialists design and customize specialty orthoses (braces), standers, wheelchairs and adaptive equipment to each patient’s unique needs.
Ophthalmology
Some children who have spina bifida develop crossed eyes or other visual disorders. Ophthalmologists treat such disorders with eye patches, glasses or surgery.
Rehabilitation Therapies
Gillette’s Rehabilitation Therapies department helps children gain the skills to be more self-sufficient. Our therapists work together with families and physician rehabilitation specialists to create customized care plans for each patient. Therapies offered at Gillette include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language pathology
Casting
Children with spina bifida have a higher incidence of clubfoot, fractures and other orthopaedic problems. Our technicians are trained in a wide range of casting methods, including the Ponseti method — a nonsurgical casting technique used to treat clubfoot.
Center for Gait and Motion Analysis
Specialists in our Center for Gait and Motion Analysis use state-of-the-art computer technology to analyze how muscles, joints and nerves work together in patients with spina bifida. Findings can help determine treatments that make walking and movement easier.