Spina Bifida Clinic

The Spina Bifida Clinic at Children’s Minnesota brings together specialists and specialty services to meet the unique needs of patients with spina bifida. We care for patients from diagnosis up to age 21.

The Spina Bifida Clinic focuses on providing compassionate, patient-centered care and expertise. Knowing that each patient and family has different needs, we work together to:

• Preserve or improve each patient’s ability to function in their daily life
• Simplify the coordination and management of multiple medical issues
• Link patients and families to the resources they need for the best outcomes possible
• Support young patients as they progress to adulthood in developmentally appropriate ways

What to expect at the Spina Bifida Clinic

The Spina Bifida Clinic is located at the Children’s Minnesota Specialty Center in Minneapolis. We care for patients throughout the upper Midwest and across the region.

Our team of kid experts work together to create a plan for each patient. Every effort is made to coordinate appointments over a one- or two-day visit to Children’s Minnesota. Appointments may include imaging (radiology) services, meeting with medical and surgical specialists, undergoing neurodevelopmental screening tests, and seeing other providers necessary to best take care of your child and your family.

Care team

• Amy Bruzek, MD
• Stella K. Evans, MD
• Kyle Halvorson, MD
• Susan Quigley, MD
• Preetha Sinha, MD
• Christopher Vara, MD

Location and contact information

Children’s Minnesota Specialty Center – Minneapolis
Suite 267
2530 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 952-260-5531
Fax: 651-220-5231

Joining together to benefit kids

This clinic combines the best of Children’s Minnesota and Shriners Children’s to bring together top orthopedic specialists. This collaboration has been formed to preserve and improve the function, strength and mobility of patients with spina bifida, all under one roof. A relationship like this makes it easier for patients and families to access the comprehensive team they deserve.

We offer multi-disciplinary clinics and services

Every child is unique, and their specialist needs are unique too.

Our multidisciplinary clinics include:

• Spina Bifida Clinic and Neurosurgery

  The neurosurgical team repairs spina bifida, continuing to manage and monitor neurologic health from diagnosis to age 21.

• Spina Bifida Clinic, Neurosurgery and Bowel/Bladder Occupational Therapy

  Occupational therapy works with parents and patients on developing a bowel plan and teaching self-catheterization skills.

• Spina Bifida Clinic, Neurosurgery and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

  Physiatrists (physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists) evaluate neuromuscular development and the need for orthotics/braces, therapies and other interventions to maximize function.

• Spina Bifida Clinic, Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery

  Orthopedic surgeons correct issues with bones in the spine, hips, legs and feet through braces, casts, and surgery.

Our grouped (same or next day) appointments include:

• Spina Bifida Clinic and Urology

  Urologists specialize in managing bladder control, catheterization, and monitoring of ongoing bladder health.

• Spina Bifida Clinic and Skin Integrity

  Wound and ostomy specialists work with patients to speed healing of any pressure wounds, and to help prevent further wounds.

• Spina Bifida Clinic and Orthotics

  Orthotists fabricate braces (orthotics) and work with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists and therapists to determine what the best orthotic might be to improve function and neuromuscular alignment.

Our expedited appointments (within a few weeks) include:

• Spina Bifida Clinic and Neuropsychology

  A neuropsychologist evaluates patients to determine if any assistance or support is needed for learning.

Research

The Spina Bifida Clinic participates in a national research study to monitor outcomes of patients who have had corrective surgery prior to birth (fetal repair).

Resources for families

• Spina bifida fact sheet
• Spina bifida fact sheet (for schools)
• Spina bifida treatment (Midwest Fetal Care Center)
• Spina Bifida Association