LA02

ICD-11 MMS 2026-01

Spina bifida

Description

Spina bifida is the most common of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. Spina bifida affects the backbone and, sometimes, the spinal cord. Aperta spina bifida defines the dorsal malclosure of vertebrae, associated with various degrees of spine defects. A pocket of skin may form, containing meninges (meningocele) or spinal cord and meninges (myelomeningocele). Different subtypes are distinguished according to the location of the defect. Consequences are paraplegia (paralysed lower limbs), hydrocephaly, Chiari malformation (result of the attached spine during life in utero), urinary and anorectal incontinence. The intensity of signs varies greatly with the level and extent of the lesion.

Inclusions

  • Rachischisis
  • Spinal dysraphism

Excludes

  • LA03 – Arnold-Chiari malformation type II
  • LA07.4 – Arnold-Chiari malformation type I
  • LB73.0 – Occult spinal dysraphism

Exclusions from above levels

  • http://id.who.int/icd/entity/733825440 – Inborn errors of metabolism

Child codes

  • LA02.0 – Spina bifida cystica
  • LA02.1 – Spina bifida aperta
  • LA02.Y – Other specified spina bifida
  • LA02.Z – Spina bifida, unspecified

Sibling codes

  • LA00 – Anencephaly or similar anomalies
  • LA01 – Cephalocele
  • LA03 – Arnold-Chiari malformation type II
  • LA04 – Congenital hydrocephalus
  • LA05 – Cerebral structural developmental anomalies
  • LA06 – Cerebellar structural developmental anomalies
  • LA07 – Structural developmental anomalies of the neurenteric canal, spinal cord or vertebral column
  • LA0Y – Other specified structural developmental anomalies of the nervous system
  • LA0Z – Structural developmental anomalies of the nervous system, unspecified

Foundation entity

Spina bifida – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/2036217905

Allowed postcoordination axes

Part of: 20: Developmental anomalies