The split notochord syndrome

Abstract

A case is presented illustrating combined anterior and posterior spina bifida in the lumbo-sacral region, accompanied by a dorsal intestinal fistula which opened externally on the surface of a meningocoele. When the child was five years of age, faeces began to discharge from the cutaneous opening. A year later, operative treatment was undertaken and the intra-abdominal portion of the fistulous tract was excised. Three of the theories concerning the embryology of this condition have been mentioned. It is thought that sagittal splitting of the notochord at an early stage of development offers the most rational explanation and we feel that in describing the condition it is justifiable to use the expression “split notochord syndrome”, a term accepted by other writers.