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Spina bifida occulta

Case contributed by Fabio Macori

Presentation

Young male admitted to A&E after falling off his bicycle.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Incomplete fusion of the posterior arch of S1 noted.

No fracture.

Case Discussion

Spina bifida occulta is a congenital malformation consisting of a defect in the closure of the vertebral arch 1 and represents the mildest form of spina bifida; usually, it is asymptomatic.

It is generally localized to L5 or S1 and has a frequency of about 10% presence in the population.

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