Spina Bifida Cystica

■ Bony defect with herniation of spina canal elements.

■ Meningocele-herniation of the meninges, but does not contain neural tissue

? Usually normal neurological exam

? No association with hydrocephalus or Chiari malformation

? Uncommon—occurs less than 10%

■ Meningomyelocele-herniation of meninges and neu­ral elements

? Most common

? Associated with hydrocephalus and Chiari type 2 malformations

? Abnormal motor and sensory exam

? Neurogenic bowel and bladder

? 75% in the lumbosacral segment