Spina bifida

**Definition:** Spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. Spina bifida affects the backbone and, sometimes, the spinal cord. Aperta spina bifida defines the dorsal malclosure of vertebrae, associated with various degrees of spine defects. A pocket of skin may form, containing meninges (meningocele) or spinal cord and meninges (myelomeningocele). Different subtypes are distinguished according to the location of the defect. Consequences are paraplegia (paralysed lower limbs), hydrocephaly, Chiari malformation (result of the attached spine during life in utero), urinary and anorectal incontinence. The intensity of signs varies greatly with the level and extent of the lesion.

**Inclusions:** - Rachischisis - Spinal dysraphism

**Exclusions:** - Occult spinal dysraphism - Arnold-Chiari malformation type I - Arnold-Chiari malformation type II