Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Case Reports

21 Spina Bifida Oculta at the L5/S1 Spinal Level: A Cadaveric Case Report

Mahya Abedi-Jafari; Marissa Braito; Rafael Roy Dugayo; Maria Hunt; John Massie; Moazan Rehman; Jonathan A. Millard, PhD Corresponding author: mabedijafari@vcom.edu

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus

Spina bifida occulta is a common congenital anomaly characterized by incomplete fusion of the vertebral arch most frequently affecting the lumbosacral spine. Although usually benign and asymptomatic, its clinical relevance is heightened in cases where it may impact adjacent anatomical structures, spinal stability, or serve as a precursor to more complex spinal pathologies. Some clinical implications include lower back pain, complications of clinical

procedures, or, if associated with a tethered cord, bowel, and bladder dysfunction due to sacral spinal cord involvement. This case report documents an incidental finding of spina bifida occulta at the L5/ S1 level identified during a routine laminectomy on a formalin-fixed, 78-year-old female donor. Anatomical examination revealed a slightly protruding dural sac and a corresponding impression on the adjacent vertebral arch of the L5 vertebrae. The L5 vertebrae

also showed an absence of the spinous process. Although frequently noted as incidental findings in imaging, gross anatomical descriptions are limited in current literature. This case provides valuable insights for both educational and clinical applications, contributing to the broader comprehension of spina bifida occulta's anatomical variations.

113 2025 Research Recognition Day