Spina bifida occulta is best described as which condition?

Spina bifida occulta is best described as which condition?

• A. Protrusion of meninges only
• B. Protrusion of spinal cord and meninges
• C. Meninges protrusion
• D. Defect in posterior vertebral arch closure with no herniation; hair tuft or dimple over the area.

Answer: (D)

Spina bifida occulta is a closed defect where the vertebral arches fail to fuse at the back, but the spinal cord and meninges remain in their normal place with no herniation. Because the lesion is hidden under skin, many people have no symptoms, though a skin marker such as a hair tuft or a dimple over the lower spine can hint at it. This description—defect in the posterior vertebral arch closure with no herniation and a potential hair tuft or dimple—is why it’s the best match. Other conditions involve some part of the meninges or spinal cord protruding through the vertebral defect. Protrusion of meninges only describes a meningocele, and protrusion of both the spinal cord and meninges describes a myelomeningocele. Both involve herniation, which does not occur in occulta.

Spina bifida occulta is a closed defect where the vertebral arches fail to fuse at the back, but the spinal cord and meninges remain in their normal place with no herniation. Because the lesion is hidden under skin, many people have no symptoms, though a skin marker such as a hair tuft or a dimple over the lower spine can hint at it. This description—defect in the posterior vertebral arch closure with no herniation and a potential hair tuft or dimple—is why it’s the best match.

Other conditions involve some part of the meninges or spinal cord protruding through the vertebral defect. Protrusion of meninges only describes a meningocele, and protrusion of both the spinal cord and meninges describes a myelomeningocele. Both involve herniation, which does not occur in occulta.