What Is Spina Bifida?

Before birth, while the spine is developing, one or more of the bones
of the back, called vertebrae, fail to develop properly leaving a gap
or split. The spinal cord pokes through this gap. It forms a bubble
or fluid-filled sack covered by a thin layer of skin. This spinal material
includes protective tissue, the meninges, that surrounds the spinal
cord. It also include cerebrospinal fluid which bathes and protects the
brain and spinal cord.

The type of Spina Bifida Isabella has is called lypomeningocele.
Lypomeningocele is a mild form of spina bifida. There is a
fatty tumor over the spine. There may not be much nerve
damage, but there may be urinary and bowel problems.