Tethered Cord Syndrome

Tethered cord syndrome is a clinical phenomenon resulting from anatomic restriction of the normal movement of the spinal cord or vascular compromise leading to hypoxia of its distal structures. Tethering can be acquired (secondary) or congenital (primary). This article presents the relevant embryology, primary and secondary causes of tethering, clinical presentations, the treatment of specific entities, indications and options for Tethered cord syndrome is a clinical phenomenon resulting from anatomic restriction of the normal movement of the spinal cord or vascular compromise leading to hypoxia of its distal structures. Causes of tethering can be acquired (secondary) or congenital (primary). This article presents the relevant embryology, primary and secondary causes of tethering, clinical presentations, the treatment of specific entities, indications and options for surgical treatment, and surgical complications.