Spina bifida

Spina bifida, also known as incomplete closure of the vertebral canal, is a type of neural tube defect. It is a congenital defect that occurs during embryonic development, leading to abnormal spinal column and/or spinal cord structures. According to pathological types, spina bifida can be classified into the following categories: Spina bifida occulta: The vertebral defect only affects the bone, with no localized mass in the spinal area. Sometimes, only the nerve roots of the cauda equina adhere to the meninges at this site. Spina bifida aperta: Also known as cystic spina bifida, the vertebral defect affects the bone, with incomplete closure of the spinous process and lamina, accompanied by meningocele or myelomeningocele. Meningocele: The sac contains only cerebrospinal fluid, with no spinal nerves. Myelomeningocele: The spinal cord itself is malformed, and the spinal cord and/or nerve roots protrude through the bone defect, adhering to the wall of the protruding sac. Myeloschisis: This type is rare. The spinal cord is everted, representing an open or complete spina bifida. The spinal cord protrudes and is exposed through the vertebral defect, with no meningeal protection on its surface. The affected area appears purplish-red, resembling granulation tissue.