Patient's question:
Frequent urination, but not much urine output. After testing the urine four or five times, the results were all normal. On February 11, 2009, at Harbin Children's Hospital, an X-ray was taken, and the results showed incomplete fusion of the lumbar and sacral 2 vertebrae. The doctor diagnosed it as a hidden spinal defect. The doctor said there is no medication for it and that it's best to distract the child and reduce urination. During the day, it's fine, but before bedtime, he needs to urinate four or five times. The parents are very worried. The child can't urinate and cries. He also suffers from constipation. Is this related to the condition? Please provide an explanation and some advice. Thank you.Doctor's answer:
Spinal bifida is a condition where the vertebral arches fail to fuse at the midline, resulting in a gap. It can be classified as either hidden (cryptic) or open.The vertebral body, pedicle, and lamina of a vertebra together form a nearly circular opening through which the spinal cord and its coverings (meninges) pass. If there is a gap in the lamina, this "circle" becomes incomplete, creating a defect. The spinal cord and its coverings may then have the potential to protrude outward through this gap. If such protrusion causes symptoms, it is classified as open spinal bifida. Conversely, if there are no symptoms, it is classified as hidden spinal bifida. Over 90% of spinal bifidas occur in the lower lumbar segments (L4, L5) and upper sacral segments (S1, S2). Therefore, if the condition is open, the structures that protrude outward are the spinal cord's cauda equina and its coverings.
In open spinal bifida, if spontaneous healing is not possible, surgery is the only treatment option.
Hidden spinal bifida does not require special treatment.