What is the term for congenital incomplete closure of a vertebra that is not associated with disability?

The term for congenital incomplete closure of a vertebra that is not associated with disability is spina bifida occulta. Spina bifida occulta refers to a condition where one or more vertebrae in the lower back do not close completely around the spinal cord. This typically occurs without any significant symptoms or disability, making it often an incidental finding during imaging studies.

In contrast, spina bifida manifesta involves a more severe form of the condition where the spinal cord and nerves are exposed through an opening in the vertebra, often resulting in neurological deficits. Spinal cord injury refers to damage to the spinal cord that leads to a loss of function, sensation, or mobility and is not a congenital defect. Neuropathic pain is a condition resulting from damage to the nervous system, which is unrelated to the integrity of the vertebrae themselves. Each of these other options represents different medical conditions or consequences, reinforcing the unique characteristics of spina bifida occulta as a benign and often asymptomatic condition.