Secondary tethered cord syndrome in patients with myelomeningocele

Abstract

Myelomeningocele is associated with other neurological abnormalities, including hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformations, syringomyelia, and secondary tethered cord syndrome. Tethered cord syndrome occurs because of abnormal attachment of the spinal cord to the caudal dural sac, causing cord ischemia. Occasionally, symptoms of progressive neurological deterioration may occur and can significantly affect the long-term outcome of these patients. Proper management of patients with myelomeningocele requires long-term follow-up and evaluation of signs of neurological deterioration that suggest secondary tethered cord syndrome. Treatment of these patients may target symptoms, such as urological intervention for bladder dysfunction, or it may target the tethered cord itself. Recently, many studies have shown that tethered cord release can significantly improve symptoms in these patients.