About one child out of every 500 born in Australia have spina bifida. This is the most important part of the central nervous system. It is the main communication system for the body, and is protected by the spine. The commonest form of spina bifida occurs when the spinal cord is damaged or does not develop properly. Surgery Operations performed by a surgeon.
Babies born with spina bifida usually have surgery straight away to close the lesion.
Many may need further operations to straighten a curved spine or improve their mobility. These are the bones of the spine, and they enclose the spinal cord to protect it. Humans have 33 vertabrae. Wheelchair Many people with spina bifida move about in wheelchairs. Some are able to walk for short periods, and use a wheelchair when a greater distance is involved.