What is untethering of spinal cord?

Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurologic disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord. This syndrome is closely associated with spina bifida.

How do you test for tethered spinal cord?

To diagnose tethered spinal cord, the doctor examines your child, looking for signs and symptoms. Your child most likely will have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This test will help the doctor see inside your child’s body and assess their condition.

How long does tethered spinal cord surgery take?

The surgery typically takes about four hours, but often takes longer as the neurosurgeon works to remove the adhesion. Surgery may be difficult, and is always accompanied by careful neurophysiological monitoring to minimize damage to nerves.

What is VBT for scoliosis?

Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a surgical treatment for idiopathic scoliosis in growing children whose scoliosis continues to progress despite bracing. The treatment was approved by the FDA in August 2019.

When should you suspect a tethered cord?

The most important signs that can be found in late teenagers and adults are back pain aggravated immediately on flexion of the lumbosacral spine, which elongates the lumbosacral spinal canal, simultaneously stretching the lower spinal cord. The 3-Bs sign is useful for initiating suspicion of tethered cords syndrome.

What is tethered cord?

Tethered Cord (TC) is a disorder in which the spinal cord is “stuck” to a structure within the spine such as dura, scar tissue from a previous operation, a bony spicule or even a tumor.

Is a tethered cord painful?

In adults, symptoms of tethered cord often develop slowly, but they can become quite severe. Symptoms may include back pain that radiates to the legs, hips, and the genital or rectal areas. The legs may feel numb or weak, and may lose muscle. Bladder and bowel control may be difficult.

What is untethering of the spinal cord?

Untethering. Spinal cord tethering is commonly seen in patients with syringomyelia. A tethered spinal cord occurs when scar tissue forms and holds the spinal cord to its surrounding soft tissue membrane and dura. It has significant effects on spinal cord movement, CSF flow and extracellular fluid flow resulting in mobility issues…

What is tethered spinal cord syndrome?

Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome. Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurologic disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord.

Is there a minimally invasive treatment for tethered cord syndrome?

Objective: Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of spinal pathology. Tethered cord syndrome is an under-diagnosed condition of abnormally rigid fixation of the spinal cord that results in spinal cord tension leading to ischemia. It can be the cause of incontinence, scoliosis, and chronic back and leg pain.

Is it safe to untethered a spinal cord?

Conclusion: Tethered spinal cords can be safely and effectively untethered using minimally invasive surgery. This technique provides the advantage of reduced soft tissue injury, less postoperative pain, minimal blood loss, a smaller incision, and a shorter hospitalization.