What complication is associated with myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele is a type of spina bifida where there is a deficiency in the spinal column, allowing the spinal cord and nerves to protrude through the opening. This condition can lead to several complications, one of which is an increased infection risk in the spinal area. Due to the exposed nerves and spinal cord, there is a vulnerability to infections, such as meningitis, which can have serious consequences for the affected individual.

Infection in this context is particularly concerning because it can exacerbate existing neurological issues and complicate treatment and management strategies. The lack of protective covering over the spinal cord in myelomeningocele makes it difficult for the body to fend off pathogens, thus elevating the risk of infections at the site of the defect and beyond, which can lead to significant morbidity.

While other complications associated with myelomeningocele can include seizures, intellectual disabilities, and partial paralysis, these are not primarily the direct result of the structural defect itself; rather, they stem from the underlying nerve damage and neurological implications of the condition. Thus, the choice that accurately embodies a direct consequence of the myelomeningocele's structural abnormalities is the increased infection risk.