II. Pathophysiology

  1. No abnormality of Meninges, spinal cord or nerve roots

III. Symptoms

  1. Asymptomatic in most cases when skin findings absent
  2. Symptoms are often associated when skin changes present
    1. Chronic Low Back Pain with or without radiculopathy
    2. Ataxia or gait abnormalities
    3. Bowel or bladder Incontinence or dysfunction

IV. Signs: Low back midline may have overlying skin lesion

  1. Patch of hair
  2. Lipoma
  3. Skin Discoloration
  4. Dermoid Sinus
    1. Also associated with Meningocele or Encephalocele
    2. Risk of infection if true communication

V. Associated Conditions

  1. Syringomyelia
  2. Diastematomyelia
  3. Tethered Cord

VI. Imaging

  1. Lumbosacral Spine XRay
    1. L5-S1 defect in posterior Vertebral closure

VII. References

  1. Behrman (2000) Nelson Pediatrics, Saunders, p. 1804
  2. Goetz (1999) Neurology, Saunders, p. 515-16

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