A rare form of spina bifida/open neural tube defect (NTD) chacterized by absence of a cystic component, dysplastic meninges and neural placode exposed through a defect in the posterior vertebral arches (spina bifida) that are contiguous with surrounding skin. The placode is at or below the skin plane and is typically associated with a Chiari II malformation. It is usually isolated or rarely associated with split cord malformation.