Homogeneous Spinal-Shortening Axial Decompression as a Revision Surgery After Untethering Surgery in Pediatric Patients with Tethered Cord Syndrome

Abstract

To evaluate surgical outcomes of homogeneous spinal-shortening axial decompression (HSAD) for reoperation in pediatric patients with tethered cord syndrome. Twenty consecutive pediatric patients (≤18 years old, 7 boys, 13 girls) who underwent HSAD after untethering surgery between June 2012 and May 2015 were included. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and visual analog scale were used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative neurologic function and pain. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and urodynamics were used to evaluate urinary function. The Rintala score was used to evaluate stool function. Mean age of patients was 13.4 ± 3.6 years (range, 7-18 years). The mean duration of follow-up was 31.2 ± 12.7 months (range, 12-48 months). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was increased from 13.31 ± 4.03 preoperatively to 19.15 ± 4.17 at final follow-up (P < 0.01). The visual analog scale score was decreased from 5.25 ± 1.78 preoperatively to 2.21 ± 1.63 at final follow-up (P < 0.01). The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score was decreased from 14.94 ± 4.15 preoperatively to 7.63 ± 4.40 at final follow-up (P < 0.01). All urodynamics parameters improved compared with before the operation. The Rintala score improved from 5.26 ± 3.45 preoperatively to 12.32 ± 3.43 at final follow-up (P < 0.01). Outcomes of HSAD for revision surgery of tethered cord syndrome were satisfactory. HSAD improved neurologic function of patients significantly. HSAD could become an alternative surgical treatment of reoperation for tethered cord syndrome.