Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Baby Has Asymmetrical Natal Cleft. Is It Always A Tethered Spine Or Spina Bifida Or Can It Be Harmless?
Question: What does it mean when an 8 month old baby has an asymmetrical natal cleft. Is it always a tethered spine or spina bifida or can it be harmless? We are waiting to see a doctor in neurosurgery. If tethered spine when is it too late to operate or rather what is the best age?
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
An asymmetrical natal cleft may not always mean spina bifida. There can be other causes as well. When associated with a post anal dimple or a tuft of hair or associated with anal incontinence and weakness in the lower extremities then it is always spina bifida.
Clinical examination followed by radiological confirmation has to be done at the earliest.
Once diagnosed surgical intervention if associated with tethered nerve roots is mandatory at the earliest to offer the best chance of recovery.
I hope this answers your querry.
With regards
Thanks for writing in.
An asymmetrical natal cleft may not always mean spina bifida. There can be other causes as well. When associated with a post anal dimple or a tuft of hair or associated with anal incontinence and weakness in the lower extremities then it is always spina bifida.
Clinical examination followed by radiological confirmation has to be done at the earliest.
Once diagnosed surgical intervention if associated with tethered nerve roots is mandatory at the earliest to offer the best chance of recovery.
I hope this answers your querry.
With regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
