ORIGINAL ARTICLES. (continued 2)
Reading edition
After delivery I found the following condition: Over the lumbosacral region were two flaps, each two inches and a half long and about an inch wide; the outer borders were free, the middle portions of the inner borders were attached over the spinal column, and at this point of attachment there was an opening which communicated with the spinal canal. This opening was about large enough to admit the tip of the little finger. The anterior surface of the flaps was simply a continuation of the integument, the posterior surface was a continuation and expansion of the membranes of the spinal cord. The edges of these folds were straight and showed no signs whatever of having been torn or lacerated. There was atrophy and complete paralysis of both lower limbs. No other deformities existed. Flaps were placed in close apposition over the opening into the spinal canal, and upon them was put a thick compress, held in place by a wide bandage. The child continued to do well until the morning of the fourth day, when convulsions developed, and death took place in a few hours.
Dissection showed that there was a fissure of the spinal canal extending from the second lumbar vertebra down to the sacrum, the laminæ being absent. Both sciatic nerves were given off in the usual manner.
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THE BROOKLYN MEDICAL JOURNAL.