2026 Spina Bifida eCourse

Registration Information

Registration Opens: February 2, 2026
Course Opens: February 2, 2026 (self-paced)
Registration Closes: March 31, 2026
Course Closes: March 31, 2026 (no extensions allowed)

Course Pricing:
AACPDM Members: $99
Non-AACPDM Members: $199

Course Information

Presentation Title:
Myelomeningocele Functional Classification (MMFC) – A Comprehensive View of Functionality in Children with Spina Bifida eCourse

Course Summary:

This course will present a comprehensive overview of the functional classification of spina bifida (MMFC). The presenters, who are also authors of the MMFC classification, will review details of the classification system for each functional level and highlight the importance of manual muscle testing in facilitating treatment recommendations. Our multidisciplinary team will present each functional level and include an overview of computer assisted motion analysis/gait analysis for spina bifida patients at each of the functional levels when applicable. Case based discussion will also include considerations for bracing, assistive devices, therapy recommendations, and orthopaedic surgery interventions. Content will include both literature review of outcomes as well as our own center's experience. Emphasis on a collaborative team approach to evaluating patients and shared decision-making using outcome data will be highlighted throughout the discussion.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to....  

Describe the MMFC classification as it relates to manual muscle testing, functional mobility scale, and use of assistive devices.
Analyze gait patterns or functional movements in patients with spina bifida from each of the different MMFC functional levels and understand the rationale for use of assistive devices.
Understand and apply orthotic considerations in patients with spina bifida from each of the MMFC functional levels.
Define the orthopaedic surgery considerations and interventions in patients with spina bifida from each of the MMFC functional levels
Understand the factors that can impact the stability of the MMFC over time for an individual patient with spina bifida.

Speaker Information:

Vineeta T. Swaroop, MD

Vineeta T. Swaroop, MD is a board-certified pediatric orthopaedic surgeon with 17 years of experience at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago focusing on care of patients with neuromuscular disorders. She is Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. She received her MD from Georgetown University School of Medicine and then completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Northwestern University followed by fellowship in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. Dr. Swaroop is the Vice Chair of Medical Education for the Department of Surgery at Lurie and the Program Director for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship at Lurie and plays an active role in the education of fellows, residents, and medical students. She has delivered presentations and educational seminars at orthopaedic conferences around the United States and internationally. She is active in research and has authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters. Dr. Swaroop has served on various committees for multiple national societies, including for POSNA and AACPDM. She was Co-Chair and Moderator for Neuromuscular Subspecialty Day at the 2019 and 2020 POSNA Annual Meetings. She spent a decade as the Director of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Oral Board Review course. Dr. Swaroop specializes in the orthopaedic treatment of pediatric patients with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, developmental delay associated with various syndromes as well as in complex gait disorders and foot pathologies.

Jill E. Larson, MD

Dr. Jill E. Larson is an associate professor and pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, with a joint faculty appointment at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She completed her medical school and orthopedic residency training at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine before concluding her training at Boston Children’s Hospital-Harvard with a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery. She specializes in the treatment of all pediatric orthopedic conditions but has a particular focus in the management of neuromuscular hip conditions and lower extremity deformity in patients with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and spinal muscular atrophy. She also serves at the Co-Medical Director of the Computerized Motion Analysis Center at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Her clinical research interests include utilizing patient reported outcomes to maximize quality initiatives. She is passionate about patient and family education, as her treatment team strives to understand the complex and diverse needs facing both patients and their families.

Ana-Marie Rojas, MD

Attending Physician in Pediatric Rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Co-Medical Director, Computerized Motion Analysis Center At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Pediatric Rehabilitation Fellowship Program Director
Assistant Professor of PM&R, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Pathways.org Roundtable Member

She is an active member of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, the Association of Academic Physiatrists, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is the co-author of several chapters in the fields of stroke, limb deficiency, gait and spinal cord pathology. Dr. Rojas collaborates with neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, engineers, therapists, and other clinicians to develop innovative treatments in the field of Pediatric Rehabilitation.

She is fluent in Spanish and English.

CME/CEU Information

CME/CEU will be available through the course's platform (Blue Sky).

Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Development Medicine. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Professions in scope for this activity are listed below.

Amedco Joint Accreditation Provider Number: 4008163

Physicians (ACCME) Credit Designation

Amedco LLC designates this material for a maximum of 3.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for physicians. Physicians
should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Individual Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation Policy:
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing by February 1, 2026. A 75% refund will be granted for requests received before this date. No refunds will be granted after February 1, 2026. All refunds will be processed after the course takes place.

Provider Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation of the eCourse by the AACPDM will result in all pre-registered attendees receiving a 100% refund.