What Is The Difference Between A Myelomeningocele, And A Meningomyelocele.?
Spina Bifida is known as one of the most common birth defects and myelomengingocele is a term for Spina Bifida Cystica. The incidence of Spina Bifida averages 1-2 cases in 1000 births. In the United States the incidence of Spina Bifida is (0.7-1000) live births. There is a higher incidence of this birth defect on the east Coast than on the West Coast. The incidence is higher in the white population at the rate of (1per 1000) live births and among African Americans is (0.1-0.4 per 1000) live births. Spina Bifida Cystica/Myelomeningocele is the most serious form of this birth defect. The spinal cord does not fuse together during the growth of the fetus, this results in the spinal cord protruding through an opening in the vertebrae. The menigeal membranes, which cover the spinal cord sometimes form a sac that encircles the spinal elements.The appearance of this sac is that of a cyst protruding from the infant’s back. In some cases the unfused elements within the sac can be closed surgical
