Spina bifida

Definition

Spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. Spina bifida affects the backbone and, sometimes, the spinal cord. Aperta spina bifida defines the dorsal malclosure of vertebrae, associated with various degrees of spine defects. A pocket of skin may form, containing meninges (meningocele) or spinal cord and meninges (myelomeningocele). Different subtypes are distinguished according to the location of the defect. Consequences are paraplegia (paralysed lower limbs), hydrocephaly, Chiari malformation (result of the attached spine during life in utero), urinary and anorectal incontinence. The intensity of signs varies greatly with the level and extent of the lesion.

Inclusions

• Rachischisis
• Spinal dysraphism

Exclusions

• Arnold-Chiari malformation type I (LA07.4)
• Arnold-Chiari malformation type II (LA03)
• Occult spinal dysraphism (LB73.0)

4 subordinate codes

• LA02.0Spina bifida cystica
• LA02.1Spina bifida aperta
• 4B4YOther specified diseases of the immune system
• 4B4ZDiseases of the immune system, unspecified

Nearby in Structural developmental anomalies of the nervous system

• LA00Anencephaly or similar anomalies
• LA01Cephalocele
• LA03Arnold-Chiari malformation type II
• LA04Congenital hydrocephalus
• LA05Cerebral structural developmental anomalies
• LA06Cerebellar structural developmental anomalies
• LA07Structural developmental anomalies of the neurenteric canal, spinal cord or vertebral column
• 4B4YOther specified diseases of the immune system