| Dimension | Meningocele | Myelomeningocele |
|---|
| Contents of sac | Meninges and cerebrospinal fluid | Meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, spinal cord |
| Transillumination | Present | Absent |
| Percentage of total cases | 25% | 75% |
| Motor function | Present | Absent |
| Sensory function | Present | Absent |
| Urinary/fecal incontinence | Absent | Present |
| Associated orthopedic anomalies | Rare | Developmental dysplasia of the hip, clubfoot |
| Other anomalies | Rare | Hydrocephalus (90%–95%) |
| Treatment | Surgery | Surgery |
| Major short-term complication | Infection (meningitis) | Infection (meningitis) |
| Major long-term complication | None | Chronic urinary tract infection leading to renal disease/failure |
| Prognosis | Excellent | Guarded |