Purpose: In myelomeningocele, several classifications have been used. The present manuscript proposes a new functional classification to better assess the prognosis and management of these patients. Methods: The manual muscle test is what defines the actual group in which the patient should be included. Furthermore, this new classification brings information about the bracing and external supports recommended to each functional level. We also recommend that the patient's Functional Mobility Scale should always be mentioned together with their functional level. Results: The four levels in this classification are MMFC1, MMFC2, MMFC3 and MMFC4. The MMFC1 group includes patients with significant muscle weakness. They need to use high braces crossing the hip joint with a walker to achieve some ambulation. The MMFC2 group includes patients who have functional hip flexors, knee extensors and knee flexors. However, the hip abductors are quite weak. These patients usually need to use a walker - or crutches - and Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFOs). The MMFC3 group includes patients with functional hip flexors, knee extensors, knee flexors and hip abductors. However, the ankle plantar flexion function is absent. Most of them are able to walk independently, only using AFOs without any external support. The MMFC4 group includes patients who have preserved function in the entire lower limb musculature. These patients don't need any assistive devices to achieve an adequate ambulation pattern. Conclusions: We hope that this new classification is a system that is simple to understand, serves as a gait prognosis guide and facilitates communication among healthcare professionals. Level of evidence: V

Key words: Genu varum; Orthotic devices; Therapeutics; Braces

Background: The etiology of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) remains unknown; however, interruption of medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) supply to the femoral head is the key pathogenic factor. The main purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate the course of the MCFA in the normal and affected hips of patients with unilateral LCPD. Methods: We analyzed 24 patients with unilateral LCPD using a time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics magnetic resonance angiography (TRICKS-MRA). The course of the MCFA was divided into 4 segments in the coronal plane and in 3 segments in the axial plane, based on its location with respect to the femoral neck. The visibility of each segment was studied in the normal and affected sides. The segments were defined as not visible when no contrast was seen within the vessel lumen or visible when the lumen was partially or completely visualized with contrast. The statistical analysis was done using the χ² test. Results: TRICKS-MRA provided well-defined images of the first 2 segments of the MCFA on both the normal and affected sides of patients with LCPD (P=1). In half of the patients, the third segment was also visible using TRICKS-MRA on both sides (P=1). The fourth segment of the MCFA, which was the ascending lateral epiphyseal segment, was not visible on either side (P=0.49). No significant difference was found between the normal and affected hips in terms of visibility of the 4 segments of the MCFA using TRICKS-MRA. Anastomosis of the MCFA with the inferior gluteal artery was found in 3 hips (2 hips with LCPD and 1 normal hip). Conclusions: TRICKS-MRA provides well-defined images of the arterial supply to the proximal femoral epiphysis in children with LCPD, presenting a noninvasive and radiation-free alternative to conventional angiography. However, the TRICKS-MRA method used did not allow visualization of the ascending lateral epiphyseal segment of MCFA in the affected and the contralateral normal side. We believe that further advancement of this noninvasive imaging technique may open new opportunities for research aimed at evaluating the vascular supply of the femoral head in children. Level of Evidence: Level IV—case-control study.

Background/Objectives: Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a diagnosis of exclusion in children who demonstrate a persistent toe-walking gait without an identifiable underlying neuromuscular or orthopedic pathology. The classification of toe-walking behavior (TWB) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains an area of debate, with some considering it a part of the broader ITW spectrum, while others view it as a distinct entity. Children with TWB associated with ASD (Autistic Toe Walking—ATW) present unique clinical challenges. This subgroup exhibits a higher prevalence of toe walking, and their gait patterns are often associated with underlying neurodevelopmental differences, frequently leading to increased resistance to conventional treatment approaches and higher rates of persistence and recurrence. This narrative review aims to summarize the available evidence on interventions for ATW, highlight differences compared to ITW and discuss implications for clinical practice. Methods: A literature search was performed, including articles that addressed interventions for toe walking in children with ASD. Results: The literature is limited and heterogeneous. Identified interventions include physiotherapy, orthoses, botulinum toxin injections, serial casting, and surgical procedures. Evidence of effectiveness is scarce, with most studies consisting of small case series. ATW differs from classic ITW in some aspects of pathophysiology and clinical presentation. Treatment decisions should balance potential benefits with risks, particularly regarding repeated anesthesia exposure during casting versus earlier surgical options. Conclusions: Evidence for managing ATW is limited. While comparisons to ITW may be useful, clinicians must recognize that they present distinct characteristics. Future research should focus on standardized definitions and controlled trials to guide management.

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the preliminary postoperative results of modified Dega-type acetabular osteotomy to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip, confirming the efficacy and reproducibility of this technique. Methods: This retrospective study included patients older than 18 months. A total of 19 hips underwent modified Dega osteotomy. Results: Satisfactory results were obtained, with an average decrease of the acetabular index from 39.2 to 20.6 degrees. The final average center edge angle was 29.6 degrees. Hip joint congruence was reestablished in all cases, and as of this writing, only one case developed necrosis in the femoral head during follow-up. Conclusion: Modified Dega osteotomy demonstrated good initial results, as well as the potential for use in treating developmental dysplasia of the hip. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.