Myelomeningocele

Myelomeningocele or open spina bifida is a neural tube defect. It is the most severe form of spina bifida, where the spine's bones do not completely form, resulting in an incomplete spinal canal. As a result, the spinal cord and meninges protrude from the child's back. Myelomeningocele may occur from genetic, nutritional, and environmental risk factors. Treatments for this condition involve genetic counseling, intrauterine surgery to close the defect before the baby is born, and surgery to repair the defect after the baby is born.