What is open spina bifida?

Open spina bifida is the less common version of the birth defect spina bifida, also known as cleft spine. It is a defect caused by the failure of the spinal column to fully close over the spinal cord. In open spina bifida, not only is there no bone covering the spinal cord, but the cord itself is exposed at the surface as a swollen area. This exposure gives the condition its medical name, myelomeningocele, derived from Greek words meaning "spine" and "swelling."