syrinx

Definition

1. Spinal dysraphism

Failure of the neural tube to close (i.e. spina bifida + failure of neural tube development)

May see one of 5 telltale skin defects 

- tail

- skin dimpling 

- sacral pit 

- hair tuft 

- lipoma 

Myelodysplasia: Any developmental defect of the spinal cord 

2. Spina Bifida Cystica

Definition

Lateral curvature of the spine with vertebral rotation

- defined as > 10^o coronal plane deformity

- occurs at or near the onset of puberty 

- no cause is established

Planes of Deformity

Triplanar

- coronal / scoliosis