complete rachischisis, a rare congenital fissure of the entire vertebral column and spinal cord, resulting from failure of the embryonic neural tube to close. The condition is characterized by flaccid paralysis and impaired sensations. It is often accompanied by other birth defects, such as cleft palate, cleft lip, and hydrocephalus, and is frequently fatal. Also called holorachischisis, rachischisis totalis. Compare spina bifida.
