This leaflet has been produced after an initial review of literature and, where there is a lack of evidence, a consensus of expert opinion is agreed, correct at time of publication.
This leaflet is freely available and intended for distribution to parents. APCP is therefore happy for any physiotherapist or other healthcare professional / healthcare organisation to download and print these leaflets for distribution in clinical practice.
APCP also allows uploading of these leaflets to other website servers to facilitate distribution to parents – however a link to our website will enable the most up-to-date version to be accessed.
What is spina bifida?
Spina bifida is when a baby’s spine and spinal cord (neural tube) does not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine. The cause of spina bifida is unknown, although it has been linked to genetic and environmental factors. There are different types of spina bifida which can be described as open or closed. (10)