MeningomyeloceleSpina bifida: with an incidence of 1-2 cases per 1000 live births, it is the most common cause of open spina bifida. It is a complex pathology that is frequently associated with other malformations both within the central nervous system such as hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformation and the anchored medulla, and outside the central nervous system: heart disease, kyphoscoliosis, etc.
It is more common in unplanned pregnancies and can be prevented by taking folic acid during pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis is possible through ultrasound.
Repair of the myelomeningocele should be carried out within 24-48 hours of birth. In most cases the closure of the placode or neural tube can be accompanied by direct skin closure because the skin defects are usually small. However, there are cases where the presence of the skin defect may be greater, requiring the use of advanced reconstruction techniques such as rotational flaps or skin grafts.