SPINA BIFIDA-TYPES

SUMMARY

CLOSED NEURAL TUBE DEFECT (NTD)
1. Spina bifida occulta: vertebral malformation without abnormality of meninges or cord. Generally asymptomatic. Due to failure of closure of the vertebral arch.

OPEN NEURAL TUBE DEFECT
2. Meningocele: protrusion of the meninges through vertebral opening. Usually asymptomatic.

3. Myelomeningocele: spinal cord and meninges exposed through cleft in vertebral column and skin defects. Severe, patient may develop motor, bladder and bowel deficits.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.