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A newborn has an open lower lumbar lesion with exposed neural tissue, bilateral lower-limb weakness, and impaired bladder function. MRI demonstrates a posterior cerebrospinal fluid-containing sac with a neural placode extending into the defect. Which embryological abnormality best explains this condition?

singleBestAnswer

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1

Localized failure of neural tube closure during primary neurulation

2

Failure of canalization during secondary neurulation

3

Failure of normal segmentation of adjacent sclerotomes

4

Failure of posterior vertebral arch fusion after normal neural tube closure

5

Persistence of the neurenteric canal

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abnormality of spinal alignment.png

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