Overview
The Spinal Defects clinic at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego provides a multidisciplinary approach to care, providing individualized treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults with spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurosurgery, urology, nutrition, physical and occupational therapy, social work, and nursing.
At each visit to the Spinal Defects clinic, you’ll meet with several members of our multidisciplinary team who will provide recommendations and treatment options. These visits can last 2-3 hours, so we recommend bringing toys, books and snacks for your child.
The Spinal Defects Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic under the direction of the Rehabilitation Medicine division. Patients with congenital conditions such as the spinal birth defect, and spina bifida are provided with a team approach to medical and lifestyle management.
Spinal Defects Clinic
Spina bifida is a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. It is often referred to as a neural tube defect. The neural tube refers to the structure in a developing embryo that later becomes the brain and spinal cord. There are different types of neural tube defects, however, in babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube does not close all the way. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves, which disrupts messages to and from the brain. Spina bifida and other neural tube defects can range in severity from causing mild to serious disabilities.
Multidisciplinary Care
The spinal birth defect team includes the following specialties:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Orthopedics that provide treatment for surgery and non-surgical procedures
- Urology
- Neurosurgery to help with spine surgery
- Physical and Occupational Therapy including after-spine surgery
- Social Services
- Genetics
- Nursing
- Dietary
Clinics for issues involving spines are held on Tuesday afternoons in the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic at the Main Campus by appointment. To schedule an appointment regarding spinal defects, call 858-966-8896.