Split cord malformation

A split cord malformation, or “diastematomyelia” is a congenital (from birth) disorder in which, as the name states, part of the spinal cord is split. This usually occurs at the upper lumbar spine level.The spinal cord can reunite again further down the spine, though this is not always the case. The division of the spinal cord can be caused by the presence of bone, cartilage or a fibrous septum.Cord malformation may be isolated, though it is more commonly found in people who have spina bifida, scoliosis or other congenital vertebral defects.