Which health concern may develop during adolescence with spina bifida due to overuse?

Which health concern may develop during adolescence with spina bifida due to overuse?

• A. Degenerative changes and overuse symptoms
• B. Improved spasticity
• C. Increased sensation
• D. Reduced need for mobility aids

Answer: (A)

During adolescence, growth and increased activity can reveal or worsen problems caused by altered biomechanics in spina bifida. The repeated stresses from using mobility aids, transfers, and wheelchair propulsion place a lot of load on joints and soft tissues. Over time, this repetitive use can lead to degenerative changes in weight-bearing joints and to overuse syndromes such as tendinopathy or bursitis, especially in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and spine. This combination of aging joints with altered movement patterns and increased activity is why degenerative changes and overuse symptoms are a common health concern in teens with spina bifida. Other options don’t fit as well because overuse typically doesn’t improve spasticity, increase sensation, or reduce the need for mobility aids; those outcomes are not expected from overuse injuries and degenerative changes.

During adolescence, growth and increased activity can reveal or worsen problems caused by altered biomechanics in spina bifida. The repeated stresses from using mobility aids, transfers, and wheelchair propulsion place a lot of load on joints and soft tissues. Over time, this repetitive use can lead to degenerative changes in weight-bearing joints and to overuse syndromes such as tendinopathy or bursitis, especially in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and spine. This combination of aging joints with altered movement patterns and increased activity is why degenerative changes and overuse symptoms are a common health concern in teens with spina bifida.

Other options don’t fit as well because overuse typically doesn’t improve spasticity, increase sensation, or reduce the need for mobility aids; those outcomes are not expected from overuse injuries and degenerative changes.