Spina Bifida (“Open Back”): Complications

The following are the most important conditions or complications that may be contributed to by spina bifida:

Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99).

  • Arnold-Chiari syndrome – group of developmental disorders with displacement of cerebellar parts through the foramen magnum (occipital hole) with concomitant reduced posterior fossa into the spinal canal (vertebral canal); type 1: Here, there is displacement of the cerebellar tonsils (part of the cerebellum; belong to the neocerebellum, which makes up most of the cerebellum). As a complication, syringomyelia (cavity formation in the gray matter of the spinal cord) may occur. Causes: heterogeneous, mostly unknown, autosomal recessive?; polygenic causes with involvement of endogenous-teratogenic factors are discussed.
  • Foot deformities such as clubfoot (pes equinovarus, formerly also called pes varus).
  • Facial dysmorphia (genetic malformation of the face).
  • Hip dysplasia (congenital malformation of acetabulum leading to congenital hip dislocation (hip joint dislocation)).
  • Cleft lip and palate (cleft lip and palate).
  • Esophageal atresia – genetically not created esophagus.
  • Tethered cord syndrome – neuromuscular/orthopedic dysfunction caused by a fixed filum terminale (spinal cord end).
  • Genitourinary malformations, e.g., unilateral renal agenesis (congenital absence of a kidney)
  • Diaphragmatic defects

Cardiovascular system (I00-I99)

  • Ventricular septal defect – congenital or acquired defect of the septum of the ventricles.

Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).

  • Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).
  • Osteoporosis (“immobilization osteoporosis”)
  • Scoliosis – sideways bending of the spine, with simultaneous rotation of the vertebrae, which can no longer be fully straightened.

Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99)

Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not classified elsewhere (R00-R99)

Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – reproductive organs) (N00-N99).