Rachischisis (Greek: "rhachis - ῥάχις" - spine, and "schisis - σχίσις" - split) is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube. In utero, the neural tube fails to close completely. The vertebrae overlying the open portion of the spinal cord do not fully form and remain unfused and open. Thus, the spinal cord is exposed. Patients with rachischisis have motor and sensory deficits, chronic infections, and disturbances in bladder function. This defect often occurs with anencephaly.
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