[Spina bifida. Congenital malformation].

Spina bifida is the most common central nervous system defect and it occurs at a very early stage in an embryo, beginning at two weeks of gestation. The causes which produce this defect are varied and its consequences depend on the level at which the spinal lesion occurs. The authors describe the most common nursing and physiotherapeutic operations available for all those who suffer spina bifida, covering aspects such as neonatal care, treatment of anaesthetic skin, management of incontinence in the sphincters, care for deformities, ambulatory treatment, etc. These aspects are necessary in order to establish a good therapeutic plan, always as a part of an integrated treatment plan which facilitates the greatest degree of autonomy possible to these patients.