Spina bifida or myelomeningocele is a general term used to describe a broad spectrum of defects that occur during pregnancy relating to the formation of the spinal cord and the bony spine (vertebral bodies). Spina bifida results from a failure of closure of the neural tube (spinal cord). Neural tube defects are thought to be caused by many factors including environmental factors. Maternal hyperthermia, administration of valproic acid, maternal insulin-dependent diabetes, and folate deficiency have been associated with myelomeningocele. The incidence is 1 in 1000 live births in the U.S. Screening programs using maternal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP in triple screen), ultrasound, and amniocentesis can now detect almost all fetuses with open spina bifida by 18 weeks gestation.

Children who are born with spina bifida and do not receive treatment have a less than 10% survival rate to school age. But with non-selective closure of the defect and shunting of the hydrocephalus (water on the brain), survival at 25 years is 52%. Adults with spina bifida can lead very full lives. Some will walk, marry, have children, and be able to hold productive jobs. The ability to walk is directly related to the level at which the defect in the spinal column occurred. Some patients have no ability to move their legs while others can walk with braces. This is a multi-discipline disorder; one that requires a team approach including an Orthopaedist, Urologist, and a Neurosurgeon. Problems can arise with latex allergies, malignant hyperthermia, hip and foot deformities, scoliosis, and kidney failure. All children with spina bifida are considered to be at risk for latex allergy. For this reason all patients with spinal bifida are advised to strictly avoid all contact with latex containing products.

More Information:
Spina-Bifida Assocation: http://www.sbaa.org
Association Spina-Bifida and Hydrocephalus (UK): http://www.asbah.org
Spina-Bifida and Hydrocephalus (Australia): http://www.spinabifida.org
National Institutes of Health: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/spina_bifida.htm
Medline Information: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spinabifida.html