title: Spina bifida.
abstract: Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) is the most common major birth defect among live-born infants. It is now recognized that half of those cases are preventable if folate is given periconceptionally. Epidemiology is discussed, together with an overview of approaches to orthopedic problems from birth to maturity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sarwark
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*