Analysis of surgical effect of adult lipomatous tethered cord syndrome

Abstract

Objective To discuss the surgical effect of adult lipomatous tethered cord syndrome (TCS). Methods The clinical data of 29 patients with adult lipomatous TCS were systematically analyzed. Eleven of male and 18 of female, who ranged from 20 to 59 years. All patients were performed filum terminale release and lipoma excision, the clinical outcome after operation was analyzed according to Hoffman grading criteria and visual analog scale (VAS). Results According to Hoffman grading criteria, 9 cases were obviously improved in leg muscle weakness, including 1 case with urination disturbance improved significantly. Also the lower back pain of patients were improved obviously: (2.63±1.30) scores vs. (8.67±0.30) scores, there was significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions Filum terminale release and lipoma excision can effectively improve the symptom of lower back pain of adult lipomatous TCS patients, meanwhile the symptom of paraparesis can improve appropriate postoperatively. But urinary deficits do not show a significant change. Key words: Tethered cord syndrome; Lipoma; Filum terminale release