Video - Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital birth defect of embryonic development where there is incomplete closing of the vertebral column and membranes around the spinal cord. There are three main types: spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. In Spina bifida occulta there is only a small gap in the bones of the spine, and the spinal cord and surrounding tissue don't protrude. In meningocele, the meninges protrude through the opening in the spinal column, but the spinal cord itself is not affected. In myelomeningocele, there is a protrusion of the spinal cord and nerves through the opening of the spinal cord. For treatment, prenatal surgery is done to close myelomeningocele, but this surgery can be dangerous to the developing fetus as well as the mother. In cases where postnatal surgery is chosen, it is often done within the first few days of an infant's life to minimize the risk of infection like meningitis.