Intermediate
Technical
IVT
spina bifida
Neural tube defect where spinal cord and surrounding structures fail to close properly during fetal development.
Full Definition
Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect characterized by incomplete closure of the vertebral column and spinal cord during embryonic development. The condition ranges from mild forms (spina bifida occulta) to severe presentations (myelomeningocele) requiring prenatal surgical intervention. In fetal surgery contexts, editors must distinguish between different types and their respective treatment protocols. The term appears frequently in maternal counseling documents and surgical consent forms.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the type (occulta, meningocele, myelomeningocele) when context requires precision.
In Context
- "The fetus was diagnosed with open spina bifida at 22 weeks' gestation." — Prenatal diagnosis report
- "Maternal counseling included discussion of both prenatal and postnatal spina bifida repair options." — Clinical consultation note
Also known as
neural tube defect
myelodysplasia
Don't confuse with
spinal dysraphism
encephalocele