Spina bifida occulta is a congenital malformation, consisting of a defect in the closure of the vertebral arch. It is the mildest form of spina bifida, and usually asymptomatic.

This defect in the vertebral arch is the result of the failure of the embryonic halves of the neural arch to grow together and fuse in the midline.

Occurs in about L5 or S1 vertebrae in ~10% of otherwise normal people.

Coauthor of this case include Dr Jose R Zuniga.