Spina bifida is the name given to the insufficient development of the nervous system that occurs in the embryological period in the mother’s womb, approximately in the first month of pregnancy. It can occur in the entire nervous system, but is most often seen in the lumbar region. The main problem in all is the adhesions between the nerve tissue, that is, the spinal cord and skin layers, which are formed due to the developmental deficiency in the child’s waist. These adhesions prevent upward displacement of the spinal cord as the patient’s height increases in advancing ages. As a result, tethered spinal cord syndrome occurs, spinal cord nutrition decreases due to stretching, and spinal cord damage eventually occurs. Spina bifida is a group of diseases. The main ones are;
Myelomeningocele: It is the most common spina bifida subgroup. Unfortunately, these children are almost always born with one or more neurological disabilities.
Meningocele: There is a sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid on the back. This sac is associated with the spinal cord.
Lipomyelomeningocele: There is a fat-filled sac on the back and this sac is attached to the spinal cord.
Thick phylum terminale: It is very difficult to detect externally with the naked eye. However, in many patients, a small hole in the midline, increased hair growth on the waist or color changes are suspected.
Split spinal cord malformation: Just like the thick phylum, these patients also have skin manifestations. In addition to the skin findings, many patients notice differences in length and/or size between the legs or feet.
