Spina bifida is a congenital disorder (birth defect) in which the
backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. In severe
cases, this can result in the spinal cord and its covering
membranes protruding out of an affected infant's back. Spina bifida
may also be nearly inconsequential, or may be repairable through
surgery.
Review Date: 03/15/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine
(11/2/2009).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
