The term spina bifida covers malformations that always include deformities of certain parts of the vertebrae, the spinous process and vertebral arch. It has been described as a failure of these bones to fuse during early fetal development.
Spina Bifida occurs in 7 out of every 10,000 live births in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 70,000 people in the United States have Spina Bifida.