What is the Definition of Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida is a developmental anomaly characterized by defective closure of the bony encasement of the spinal cord through which the spinal cord and meninges may or may not protrude. If the anomaly is not visible, the condition is called spina bifida occulta. If there is an external protrusion of the saclike structure, the condition is called spina bifida cystica, and is further classified according to extent of neural involvement (e.g., meningocele, meningomyelocele, or myelomeningocele).
