Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that happens when a baby’s backbone (spine) doesn’t form like it should. The spinal cord (a bundle of nerves that runs down the center of the spine) and the nerves that branch out of it may be damaged. "Spina bifida" is Latin for "split spine." The effects can vary based on how severe the condition is and how much it damages the nerves of the spinal cord. At Nemours Children's, we can provide expert surgical treatment for spina bifida. And our specialists are here to help give babies like yours the best chance at a healthy future.

Learn More About Spina Bifida

Why Choose Us

Our world-renowned orthopedics program has experience dealing with the surgical treatment of spina bifida. We also work with families to address children’s physical and emotional needs. We continue to regularly see kids as they grow so we can identify any current or possible problems — and correct them as quickly as possible.

Regional Care Highlights

Delaware Valley Highlights

Delaware/Greater Philadelphia

We offer complete spina bifida care at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware (Wilmington, Del.) and select satellite Nemours Children's Health locations.

Ranked among the top 10 children’s hospitals in the country, year after year, for pediatric orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report
One of the longest-standing, most well-known pediatric orthopedic practices in the nation and the world
Specialized spina bifida program with a team approach that includes expertise in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, rehabilitation and behavioral health
Nationally known spinal deformities program
Home of innovations like the Wilmington Brace and the Wilmington Robotic EXoskeleton (WREX)
Pediatric outpatient therapy services program that’s one of the only in the region accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
On-site shops for orthotics, prosthetics, wheelchairs and assistive technology to help kids get around, communicate and learn
Advanced diagnostic services, including fetal diagnostic testing and perinatal consultations while your baby is still in the womb
Ronald McDonald House of Delaware across from the hospital campus, for an affordable home away from home during long hospital stays

Florida Highlights

Central Florida

We offer complete spina bifida care at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida (Orlando) and select Nemours satellite locations.

Spina Bifida Center of Excellence (SB Center), where we offer care like no other provider in Central Florida
Large team of pediatric spina bifida experts including surgeons, urologists, radiologists, mental health experts, and physical and occupational therapists working together to coordinate your child’s care — all under one roof
Advanced radiology (imaging) services including fetal diagnostics
Onsite orthotics and prosthetics shops
Support services such as animal-assisted activities, Child Life specialists, expressive arts, social workers
Ronald McDonald House on campus, for an affordable home away from home during long hospital stays

Northeast Florida

We offer spina bifida care at Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville (working with Wolfson Children’s Hospital) and select satellite locations.

Access to a team of specialists
Nurse case manager, who can coordinate office visits, educate your family about spina bifida, and follow up with your child’s school and regular doctor
State-of-the-art radiology (imaging) services
Orthotics and prosthetics shops
Casting, orthotic and prosthetic shops

Northwest Florida

We offer spina bifida care at Nemours Children’s Health, Pensacola and select satellite locations.

Wide range of pediatric specialty services
Radiology (imaging) on-site
Orthotic and prosthetic shops

Find Care at Nemours

We have many pediatric specialists and locations — find the care closest to you:

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