This volume of Neurosurgical Focus covers an array of topics useful to many specialists who care for patients with neural tube defects and related abnormalities. These patients have specific needs at each stage of the lifespan. Today, many individuals with significant developmental abnormalities of the spinal cord are leading full lives. For example, it is important for obstetricians and anesthesiologists to be cognizant of the underlying abnormalities associated with a lipomyelomeningocele or myelomeningocele to optimally care for a woman with one of these lesions during the delivery of her child. These lesions are exceedingly interesting from a developmental perspective, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology will continue to improve our management. The paper by Kalani et al. focuses primarily on the pathophysiology of intradural spinal teratomas. Dr. Vogel and associates describe recent advances in our understanding of how primary cilia contribute to the pathogenesis of neural tube defects and hydrocephalus. Dr. Sarris and colleagues provide a useful review of the pathology, treatment, and outcomes of lipomyelomeningoceles. A review of the management of urologic dysfunction in patients with neural tube defects by Amarante and colleagues will be useful to providers from a wide range of specialties. Maintaining optimal urologic health is a challenge throughout life. Finally, Dr. Cox and colleagues describe an unusual presentation of bilateral paramedian cutaneous dermal sinus tracts that caused multiple episodes of infection prior to definitive neurosurgical treatment. (http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2012.8.FOCUS12285)