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... However, Nicholas Tult noted spina bifida occulta as a congenital developmental defect in1642 [7]. Subsequently the term 'spina bifida occulta' was coined by Virchow in 1875 on his evaluation of a case of spina bifida concealed under the skin [2]. This brings to mind, the broad classification of spina bifida into spina bifida occulta (SBO) and spina bifida aperta (spina bifida cystica) [1,6]. ...
... SBO arises from failure of the neural tube to close during the fourth week of embryogenesis with consequent failure of the bones around the spinal cord to close [4,8]. Sonographic studies have shown 3 spinal ossification centres (vertebral body and each laminapedicle junction) [2]. The developmental stages of the vertebra are precartilage, chondrification and ossification [12] Precartilage stage involves migration of sclerotome cells ventromedially (to form vertebral body), dorsally (neural arch) and ventrolaterlly (costal process) [12]. ...
... Spina bifida literally connotes a cleft in the spinous process of a vertebra. In essence, it is a "spine in two parts" or "open spine" or "bifid spine" whether there is a protrusion of the spinal structures or not [1][2][3]. Spina bifida is the commonest subtype of the wide spectrum of neural tube defects (NTD) [1,4]. ...
The article discusses the physiology and pathology of fetal bone and joint development and functions. The bones provide static support for the body. The skull and the bones of spinal column encase the central and part of the peripheral nervous system. The ribs and the sternum shield the heart and the lungs, while the bones of the pelvis protect the intraabdominal organs. Pathological changes of these bony structures may impair the functions of the respective systems or internal organs. Movements of the bones are brought about by muscles. The deriving motions are facilitated by joints. Bony anomalies of the extremities limit their effective functions. Apart from skeletal and joint abnormalities, akinesia may also be caused by neurological, muscular and skin diseases that secondarily affect the functions of bones and joints. Such pathological changes may lead to various degrees of physical disability and even to death. Some of the mentioned anomalies are recognizable in utero by ultrasound. The diagnosis may serve as medical indication for abortion in those instances when the identified abnormality is incompatible with independent life.
