RHACHISCHISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Rhachischisis is a medical term that refers to a rare congenital birth defect characterized by the incomplete closure of the spinal column during early fetal development. This condition involves a severe form of spinal bifida, where the neural tube fails to close properly, leading to the exposure of the spinal cord and its surrounding structures.
In rhachischisis, the neural tube remains unfused and open along the entire length of the spine. This results in an extreme defect, with the spinal cord and its protective membranes exposed and vulnerable to injury, infection, and subsequent neurological complications. The condition can occur at any level of the spinal column, ranging from the cervical to the sacral regions.
Individuals with rhachischisis typically exhibit visible signs of the defect, such as a visible gap or cleft in the spine, through which underlying nerves and tissues are exposed. In most cases, affected individuals experience severe neurological deficiencies, including paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired motor and sensory functions in the lower limbs. Additional complications may include hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain) or other associated birth defects.
Treatment for rhachischisis often requires surgical intervention shortly after birth to cover and protect the exposed spinal cord and nerves. This is typically followed by rehabilitative therapies to optimize the individual's neurological function and improve their quality of life. The prognosis for individuals with rhachischisis depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of any associated complications.
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A congenital fissure of the spinal column.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RHACHISCHISIS
- rachischisis
- rachischysis
- ehachischisis
- dhachischisis
- fhachischisis
- thachischisis
- 5hachischisis
- 4hachischisis
- rgachischisis
- rbachischisis
- rnachischisis
- rjachischisis
- ruachischisis
- ryachischisis
- rhzchischisis
- rhschischisis
- rhwchischisis
- rhqchischisis
- rhaxhischisis
- rhavhischisis
Etymology of RHACHISCHISIS
The word rhachischisis has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: rhachis meaning spine or backbone, and schisis meaning split or cleft. Therefore, rhachischisis essentially translates to split spine or cleft spine.
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