The two cords are separated by either bone or cartilage. Split cord malformation is a developmental abnormality in which the spinal cord is split in two different sections.
This condition is not obvious at birth because skin covers the abnormality. Spina bifida occulta is “hidden" spina bifida.No skin covers the abnormality, so nerves, spinal cord, or fatty tissue is seen immediately at birth. Spina bifida aperta is "open" spina bifida.The vertebra may contain normal nerves and the spinal cord, with only abnormal bones, or it may contain fat, nerves, and other tissue passing through the bony opening. Spina bifidais an incompletely formed vertebra that is typically more common in the lower back.A more serious condition may require corrective surgery. It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop during adolescence. Scoliosisis an abnormal curvature of the spine.It is associated with Chiari malformation type 2. Myelomeningoceleis a type of spina bifida aperta, in which the underdeveloped spinal cord emerges through the vertebra and breaks through the skin.Lipomeningocele is a fatty mass that protrudes into and attaches to an incompletely developed spine.We can treat this by diverting this fluid to other parts of the body to relieve pressure on the brain. Hydrocephalus, happens when abnormal fluid accumulates in the brain.We treat this disorder by surgically removing the entire sinus tract. Dermal sinus usually happens in the lower back, near the buttocks, and can lead to a tethered spinal cord or indicate recurrent meningitis. Dermal sinus is a small but deep opening in the skin that is on top of the spine and may be attached to the spine and spinal cord.Chiari malformation type 2, which also pushes some of the contents of your brain down toward the spine, is associated with multiple abnormalities of the brain, including myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus.The disorder can be associated with syringomyelia. Chiari malformation, type 1 pushes some of the brain contents down toward the spine.We work with members of the departments of pediatrics, urology, general surgery, rehabilitation, neurology, neonatology, and plastic surgery to provide the optimal solution for your child's specific disorder.Īlthough spine disorders in children are rare, of those that do occur, these are the most common: From the newest diagnostic studies to the least invasive interventions, we tailor our treatments to suit each child's needs as comprehensively as possible. At the Mount Sinai Health System, our neurosurgery spine team is dedicated to providing the highest level of clinical excellence for children with spinal disorders.