Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord. This causes abnormal stretching of the spinal cord. Normally, the bottom of the spinal cord floats freely within a pool of spinal fluid.
The causes of tethered spinal cord are errors in normal development of the fetus. Many cases occur before a women knows she s pregnant.
Some symptoms of tethered spinal cord are, in children, lesions, hairy patches, dimples or fatty tumors on the back, foot and spinal deformities, scoliosis and low back pain. Sometimes children are born with an open defect in the back with elements of the spinal cord visualized at the skin.
If tethered cord is suspected, one or more tests may be performed. An MRI scan is usually the first. If the MRI does not confirm the tethered cord, a myelogram may be necessary. Sonography is also sometimes useful.
Treatment in children, if caught early, surgery is recommended to prevent further neurological damage. If surgery cannot be performed, spinal cord nerve roots may be cut to relieve pain.
For more information on tethered cord you can visit these sites, www.nature.com and www.backpain-guide.com
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