Cervical cord tethering due to split cord malformation at the cervico‐dorsal junction presenting with self‐mutilation of the fingers

Abstract

An unusual case of cervical spinal cord tethering with diplomyelia is described. A 12‐month old female presented with self‐mutilation of the fingers due to sensory loss in the hands, absent reflexes, poor muscle tone, and reduced distal upper‐limb movements. There was a deep skin dimple overlying the T1 spinous process. Imaging showed angulation of the lower cervical cord and an operation revealed a low cervical meningocele and a split cord malformation with tethering of one half of the cord; the cord was untethered. In this report the literature is reviewed.