Tethered Cord Syndrome Research Articles

Morphometric analysis of spinal cord termination in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

BackgroundThere is an association between Chiari malformations, syringomyelia (CMSM) and tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in people, suggesting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with CMSM could also have TCS. Currently there are no data on the position of the caudal spinal cord structures in CKCS.ObjectiveTo describe and compare location of spinal cord termination in CKCS with weight‐matched controls and to examine the relationship between SM and spinal cord termination.AnimalsThirty‐nine CKCS and 33 controls with thoracolumbar MRIs; 34 of 39 CKCS also had cervical MRIs.MethodsBlinded retrospective study. Spinal cord and dural sac termination were determined from T2‐weighted sagittal and transverse images and half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin echo sequences. Intra‐observer reliability was determined using kappa analysis. Presence of SM was compared with location of spinal cord and dural sac termination.ResultsIntra‐observer reliability was moderate for identifying spinal cord termination (Kappa = 0.6) and good for dural sac termination (Kappa = 0.8). The spinal cord terminated at lumbar vertebra 6 (L6) in 1, 7 (L7) in 22, and sacrum in 16 CKCS versus 9 at L6, 23 at L7, 1 at sacrum in controls. Spinal cord (P < .001) and dural sac (P = .002) termination were significantly more caudal in CKCS compared to controls. The presence of thoracolumbar SM was associated with more caudal dural sac termination in CKCS (P = .03).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe relationship between TL SM and possible spinal cord tethering because of a more caudal dural sac termination should be investigated.

Tethered cord syndrome: surgical outcome of 43 cases and review of literatures

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical treatment of tethered cord syndrome (TCS), a prospective analysis of 43 patients operated at Neurosurgery Department Zagazig University hospitals from May 2013 to January 2017 with 1 year follow-up had been done.Patients and methodsAdult and children patients with tethered cord syndrome subjected to microscopic surgeries for release of cord and nerves tethering with exclusion of primary repair of meningiomyelocele, paraplegic patients, hydrocephalic patients, and ages below 2 years old. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine was done for all patients and urodynamic studies for patients more than 6 years old preoperative and postoperative after 1 year of surgery.ResultsTen patients were adults > 18 years old and male to female ratio was about 2:1. All patients presented with multiple clinical manifestations which either improved or stable during follow-up after surgery. Controllable complications occurred: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in 18.6% and wound infection in 4.7%. Urodynamic studies improved in 73% of patients after surgery and children showed significant improvement in all symptoms except back pain than adult patients.ConclusionMicroscopic surgery is of value for patients suffering tethered cord syndrome with low risk of complications.

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

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.

Microsurgical efficacy in 326 children with tethered cord syndrome: a retrospective analysis.

Tethered cord syndrome is a progressive disease with a typically insidious onset in infants and children, and which can lead to persistent progress of neurological deficits and a high rate of disability without timely intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the curative effect of microsurgery in children with different types of tethered cord syndrome. In this study, we analyzed 326 patients with tethered cord syndrome, aged from 2 months to 14 years old, who were followed for 3-36 months after microscopic surgery. Based on clinical manifestations and imaging findings, these patients were classified into five types: tight filum terminale (53 cases), lipomyelomeningocele (55 cases), lipomatous malformation (124 cases), postoperative adhesions (56 cases), and split cord malformation (38 cases). All patients underwent microsurgery. Curative effects were measured before and 3 months after surgery by Spina Bifida Neurological Scale based on sensory and motor functions, reflexes, and bladder and bowel function. The results showed that Spina Bifida Neurological Scale scores improved in all five types after surgery. Overall effective rates in these patients were 75%. Effective rates were 91% in tight filum terminale, 84% in lipomyelomeningocele, 65% in lipomatous malformation, 75% in postoperative adhesion, and 79% in split cord malformation. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that types of tethered cord syndrome (lipoma-type or not) and symptom duration before surgery were independent influencing factors of surgical outcome. These results show that therapeutic effect is markedly different in patients with different types of tethered cord syndrome. Suitable clinical classification for tethered cord syndrome will be helpful in predicting prognosis and guiding treatment. This trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR1800016464).

Importance of Physical Examination and Imaging in the Detection of Tethered Cord Syndrome.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a type of occult spinal dysraphism that may lead to permanent neurologic and orthopedic deficits. Infants with TCS may have lumbosacral cutaneous malformations (LsCMs). We studied 67 infants referred to a single pediatric urology practice for a urological concern unrelated to occult spinal dysraphism with no prior diagnosis of LsCM between March 1, 2015 and September 30, 2018. Each infant underwent a spinal ultrasound. If an abnormality was detected, they were referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon. The most common cutaneous manifestations were duplicated or bifurcated (46%) gluteal folds and gluteal asymmetry (16%). Fourteen (21%) of the 67 patients had an abnormal spinal ultrasound; 5 of the 14 infants underwent a lumbar magnetic resonance imaging. One infant had urodynamics studies and a tethered cord release. Pediatricians should be familiar with TCS and perform lumbar physical examinations for LsCMs suggestive of TCS to ensure prompt diagnosis and management and avoid potentially devastating complications.

Multiple lithiases de l’urètre prostatique associé à une anéjaculation révélant un dysraphisme spinale à type de syndrome de moelle bas attachée chez un jeune homme: à propos d’un cas exceptionnel

Le dysraphisme spinal (ou spina bifida) est une pathologie neurologique qui représente la première cause de handicap urologique congénital. Il peut avoir des expressions cliniques très variables, les troubles vésico-sphinctériens et sexuels sont fréquents et rarement isolés, noyés au sein des troubles moteurs, orthopédiques, sensitifs, digestifs voire cognitifs. Le syndrome de la moelle bas attachée est une complication du dysraphisme spinal. Affection est souvent découverte chez l'enfant. Elle peut être asymptomatique et rencontrée chez l'adulte. Les troubles vésico-sphinctériens constituent la principale cause de morbi-mortalité par les complications uro-nephrologiques qu'ils entrainent avec une altération significative de la qualité de vie de ces patients, justifiant ainsi une prise en charge spécifique, multidisciplinaire et un suivi strict. Nous présentons un cas exceptionnel de dysraphisme spinale type syndrome de la moelle bas attachée de découverte fortuite à l'âge adulte à l'occasion du bilan étiologique de lithiases de l'urètre prostatique associées à une anéjaculation.

Chiari Malformations.

Chiari malformations (CM) represent a group of anomalies characterized by descent of the cerebellar tonsils or vermis into the cervical spinal canal. These malformations can be associated with abnormalities such as hydrocephalus, spina bifida, hydromyelia, syringomyelia, curvature of the spine (kyphosis and scoliosis) and tethered cord syndrome. Hereditary syndromes and other disorders that affect growth and bone formation-such as craniosynostosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Klippel-Feil syndrome-can also be associated with CM. The literature concerning treatment is large, and an extensive range of therapeutic protocols have been described. The literature is inclined in favour of surgery; however, there is controversy over when to perform surgery and which procedure is most appropriate. Lately, the indications for stabilization have been under discussion. In this paper we review the literature and discuss the historical background, anatomical forms, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, relationships with other diseases and diagnostic procedures for these abnormalities.

Ayurveda management of chronic non healing pressure ulcer at foot, secondary to tethered cord syndrome –A case report

Ayurveda management of chronic non healing pressure ulcer at foot, secondary to tethered cord syndrome –A case report

Tethered Cord Syndrome-Role of Early Surgery.

Purpose:1. To evaluate the clinical course and effects of surgery on preexisting neurodeficits. 2. To address the issue of timing of intervention.Materials:A prospective study at department of pediatric surgery, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and other hospitals from 2013 to 2017.Results:There were 44 patients. Over 3/4 presented with a cutaneous marker while 9 had deficits and no markers. The commonest marker was a swelling on the back. 1/3 of infants had neurological sequelae while almost all midline older children presented with bowel/bladder/gait disturbances. All underwent detethering. Post-operative complications were minor and self-limiting. None of the children had associated Chiari malformation and 2 had a syrinx which at last follow up has been static and shown no clinical signs. Recovery was mostly seen in infants and only in one older child.Conclusion:Most of the patients with lipomeningomyelocele have early onset deficits and is recommended to operate at diagnosis. Children presenting with only deficits need to be evaluated for tethered cord syndrome but generally show poor or no recovery of deficits. Early prophylactic detethering is safe, feasible and advisable.

Contemporary management and outcome of myelomeningocele: the Rotterdam experience.

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common form of spina bifida, with a lifelong impact on the quality of life for infants born with this condition. In recent decades, fetal surgery has evolved from an experimental therapy to standard of care for many centers in the world. In this study, the authors aimed to provide an overview of the current management and outcomes for infants with MMC managed at their institution. This then provides a center-specific historical cohort for comparison with future antenatal-treated MMC cases. This is a retrospective, single-institution cohort study including all consecutive MMC cases between January 1, 2000, and June 1, 2018, at Erasmus MC. Outcome data included closure of the defect (location, timing, and surgical parameters), hydrocephalus management, Chiari malformation type II (CMTII) management, incidence of spinal cord tethering and outcome, motor outcomes, and continence. A total of 93 patients were included with predominantly lumbosacral lesions. Two patients died during follow-up. Hydrocephalus was present in 84%, with a 71% ventriculoperitoneal shunt reoperation rate. Surgery was performed in 12% for a tethered spinal cord at a mean age of 8 years. Decompression surgery was performed in 3 patients for CMTII. Special education in 63% was significantly associated with hydrocephalus (p < 0.015). Nineteen percent of patients were able to walk independently, and 47% were nonambulators. Social continence for urine was obtained in 75% of patients, 4% had fecal incontinence. This study provides an overview of current MMC outcomes at the authors' center and will serve as a historical cohort for comparison with future fetal surgery cases operated on at the center in the coming years. Apart from a relatively low surgical untethering rate, the authors' outcome data are comparable to those in the literature. Hydrocephalus is highly prevalent in postnatally treated MMC patients; in this study as in much of the literature, hydrocephalus is correlated with a low cognitive function. Fetal surgery for MMC halves the need for shunt treatment in a select group of MMC pregnancies, constituting a major indication for us to undergo the transition to a fetal surgery center. The fetal benefits of open antenatal surgery for MMC are well established, yet long-term data on especially tethered spinal cord are eagerly awaited.

60: Cryopreserved umbilical cord as a meningeal patch for in-utero spina bifida repair in sheep model

Disruption of meningeal layers and spinal cord tethering is universally seen at the in-utero spina bifida repair site causing long-term functional deficits and the need for multiple de-tethering surgeries. The cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) provides a watertight barrier at the spina bifida repair site. In this study, we tested the potential role of HUC patch to regenerate the arachnoid layer, reduce histological tethering and improve neurological function in a spina bifida sheep model. In timed-pregnant sheep, spina bifida defect (L2-L6 levels) was created in the fetuses at gestational day (GD) 75. On GD 96, the arachnoid layer was removed and the repair was performed. The fetuses were randomly assigned to two groups for the arachnoid layer closure: Conventional Repair (CR) using myofascial closure vs. HUC as a meningeal patch (n=4 each). Subsequently, the primary closure of the skin layer was performed. The lambs were delivered at GD 140 by C-section. The lambs without spina bifida creation served as controls (n=4). The clinical assessment for spinal cord function was performed using the Texas Spinal Cord Injury Scale (TSCIS) scale. The spinal cord was assessed at three levels (L3-L5) for spinal cord tethering, defined as lack of cerebrospinal fluid space (CFS) between pia layer and overlying tissue using Masson’s Trichrome and Picrosirius Red stain under circular polarized microscopy. Arachnoid layer regeneration was assessed using specific immunofluorescence markers for the arachnoid layer: Retinaldehydye dehydrogenase -2 (RALDH-2), and Pan-keratin staining. The TSCIS scores were lower in the conventional repair compared to HUC- meningeal patch, and the controls (Figure 1A). The loss of spinal cord function in the CR was mainly due to ataxia and loss of proprioception. The histology at the repair site showed higher spinal cord tethering in the CR lambs compared to HUC lambs at all levels of the repair site (Figure 1B and Figure 2). In the CR, there was an abrupt ending to the arachnoid layer at the tethering site (Figure 2- yellow arrow) whereas, in the HUC repair the arachnoid layer was continuous (green arrow) with underlying CFS. HUC as a meningeal patch allows regeneration of the arachnoid layer and prevents spinal cord tethering, and improves spinal cord function. Further exploration of mechanisms and application in human studies are needed.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Unilateral Pes Cavus as an lnitial Sign of Tethered Cord Syndrome in an Adolescent: A Case Report

Unilateral Pes Cavus as an lnitial Sign of Tethered Cord Syndrome in an Adolescent: A Case Report

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging parameters for objective assessment of the magnitude of tethered cord syndrome in patients with spinal dysraphism.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based criteria for diagnosing magnitude of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in occult spinal dysraphism are proposed. In this prospective, case-control design study, MRI lumbosacral spine was performed in 51 subjects [pilot group (n = 10) without TCS (for defining radiological parameters), control group (n = 10) without TCS (for baseline assessment), and study group (n = 31) with spinal dysraphism (thick filum terminale [n = 12], lumbar/lumbosacral meningomyelocoele [n = 6], and lipomyelomeningocoele [n = 13])]. The parameters compared in control and study groups included oscillatory frequency (OF), difference in ratio, in supine/prone position, of distance between posterior margin of vertebral body and anterior margin of spinal cord (oscillatory distance [OD]), with canal diameter, at the level of conus as well as superior border of contiguous two vertebrae above that level; delta bending angle (ΔBA), difference, in supine/prone position, of angle between longitudinal axis of conus and that of lower spinal cord; and sagittal and axial root angles, subtended between exiting ventral nerve roots and longitudinal axis of cord. An outcome assessment at follow-up was also done. In the study group (cord tethered), significantly less movement at the level of conus (OF0, p = 0.013) and one level above (OF1, p = 0.03) and significant difference in ΔBA (p = 0.0) were observed in supine and prone positions, compared to controls. Ventral nerve root stretching resulted in sagittal/axial root angle changes. Median OF (0.04) in the lipomyelomeningocoele group was significantly less than that in control group (0.23). Median OF was also lesser in patients with thick filum terminale or meningomyelocele. Difference in median sagittal and axial root angles among the study and control groups was statistically significant (p = 0.00). New dynamic MRI-based parameters to establish the presence and magnitude of TCS have been defined. OF measured the extent of loss of translational cord displacement in supine and prone positions; ΔBA defined the relative angulation of conus with lower spinal cord, and sagittal and axial root angles represented ventral nerve root stretching. The difference in OF or ΔBA was minimum in the group with thick filum terminale and progressively increased in the groups with lipomyelomeningocele and meningomyelocele.

Currarino syndrome: repair of the dysraphic anomalies and resection of the presacral mass in a combined neurosurgical and general surgical approach.

OBJECTIVEIt is well established that Currarino syndrome (CS) may be associated with spinal dysraphism. Here, the authors report on 10 CS patients with dysraphic anomalies who had undergone a combined neurosurgical and general surgical approach to repair the dysraphic anomalies and resect the presacral mass in a single operation. They discuss the spectrum of spinal dysraphism that may coexist in CS in the context of its developmental etiology.METHODSChildren with a confirmed CS diagnosis who had undergone the combined operative approach were identified from a departmental database. Presenting features were recorded and preoperative imaging was analyzed to record features of the presacral mass and the dysraphic anomalies. The histopathological nature of the resected presacral mass and the outcomes postoperatively and at the last follow-up were reviewed.RESULTSBetween 2008 and 2015, 10 patients presented with CS, 9 with constipation. Median age at the time of surgery was 1.3 years. Six of the 10 patients had anorectal malformation consisting of anal stenosis, rectal stenosis, or imperforate anus. Spinal anomalies included anterior meningocele (5 cases), low-lying conus (8), terminal syrinx (4), fatty filum (5), caudal lipoma (3), and intraspinal cyst (1). In all cases, the lumbosacral spinal canal was accessed via a midline approach with laminoplasty, allowing spinal cord untethering and repair of the dysraphic anomalies. Following dural closure, the incision was extended inferiorly to incorporate a posterior sagittal approach to resect the presacral mass. The histopathological nature of the mass was mature teratoma (8 cases), complex hamartomatous malformation (1), or neurenteric cyst (1). There were no new instances of neurological deterioration, with most instances of persisting morbidity related to constipation (6 cases) or neurogenic bladder dysfunction (8). There were no infective complications, no instances of cerebrospinal fluid fistula, no recurrences of the presacral mass, and no cases of retethering of the spinal cord.CONCLUSIONSAlthough not part of the original triad, spinal dysraphic anomalies are common in CS and in keeping with a disorder of secondary neurulation. Lumbosacral MRI is an essential investigation when CS is suspected. Children are at risk of sphincter impairment due to the anorectal malformation; however, both spinal cord tethering and compression from the presacral mass may further compromise long-term continence. A combined operative approach to repair the dysraphic anomalies and resect the presacral mass is described with good postoperative and long-term outcomes.

Expression profiles of pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediators in secondary tethered cord syndrome after myelomeningocele repair surgery.

The literature on histopathological and molecular changes that might underlie secondary tethered cord syndrome (TCS) after myelomeningocele (MMC) repair surgeries remains sparse. To address this problem, we analyzed specimens, which were obtained during untethering surgeries of patients who had a history of MMC repair surgery after birth. Specimens of 12 patients were analyzed in this study. Clinical characteristics were obtained retrospectively including pre-operative neurological and bowel/bladder-function, contractures and spasticity of lower extremities, leg and back pain, syringomyelia, and conus position on spinal MRI. Cellular marker expression profiles were established. Further, immunoreactivities (IR) of IL-1ß/IL-1R1, TNF-α/TNF-R1, and HIF-1α/-2α were analyzed qualitatively and semi-quantitatively by densitometry. Co-labeling with cellular markers was determined by multi-fluorescence-labeling. Cytokines were further analyzed on mRNA level. Immunostaining for cleaved PARP and TUNEL was performed to detect apoptotic cells. Astrocytosis, appearance of monocytes, activated microglia, and apoptotic cells in TCS specimens were one substantial finding of these studies. Besides neurons, these cells co-stained with IL-1ß and TNF-α and their receptors, which were found on significantly elevated IR-level and partially mRNA-level in TCS specimens. Staining for HIF-1α/-2α confirmed induction of hypoxia-related factors in TCS specimens that were co-labeled with IL-1ß. Further, hints for apoptotic cell death became evident by TUNEL and PARP-positive cells in TCS neuroepithelia. Our studies identified pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediators that, besides mechanical damaging and along with hypoxia, might promote TCS development. Besides optimizing surgical techniques, these factors should also be taken into account when searching for further options to improve TCS treatment.

P11.09: Prenatal diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) by 3D ultrasonography VCI OmniView mode

P11.09: Prenatal diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) by 3D ultrasonography VCI OmniView mode

Chiari malformation clusters describe differing presence of concurrent anomalies based on Chiari type

Chiari malformations are structural defects in the posterior fossa where the cerebellum displaces caudally into the foramen magnum and upper spinal canal. These malformations are classified by severity as Types 1–4, each presenting with different associated and/or concurrent conditions and anomalies. The aim of this study was to utilize a nationwide database to study patients with Chiari malformations including their concurrent diagnoses and associated anomalies. Using a retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2003 to 2012, Chiari malformations were assessed by Chiari type and rates of concurrence for various additional anomalies were evaluated using cross-tabulations. There were 305,726 national cases of Chiari Type 1, 119,632 cases of Chiari Type 2, 15,540 cases of Type 3, and 79,663 cases of Type 4. Overall 44.3% of Chiari patients have at least one concurrent anomaly. Stratified by Chiari Type, 7.1% of Type 1 patients, 12.3% of Type 2, and 100% of Type 3 and 4 have at least one concurrent anomaly. The most common isolated neurologic associations were tethered cord, syringomyelia, and hydrocephalus, while the most common anomaly clusters were syringomyelia and scoliosis in Type 1 (0.63), tethered cord syndrome and scoliosis (0.72%) in Type 2, encephalocele and acquired hydrocephalus (11.45%) in Type 3, and reduction deformity of the brain with acquired hydrocephalus (15.95%) in Type 4. Chiari malformations have strong associations with other abnormalities outside of known relationships in the current classification. While neurologic abnormalities are most common, additional body systems are frequently involved especially with worsening hindbrain defects.

131 Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters for Objective Assessment of the Magnitude of Tethered Cord Syndrome in Patients With Spinal Dysraphism

131 Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters for Objective Assessment of the Magnitude of Tethered Cord Syndrome in Patients With Spinal Dysraphism

Tethered Cord Syndrome

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a clinical condition of various origins, which comprises of progressive neurological, urological, and orthopaedic dysfunction, because of congenital fixation or tethering of the distal spinal cord by the terminal filum. It is believed that, if the filum elasticity is compromised by either fatty infiltration or abnormal thickening, the spine movement may cause stress upon the conus, resulting in TCS.Patients with symptomatic TCS can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms in combination with cutaneous, orthopaedic, spinal, anorectal, and urological abnormalities. The common clinical presentations include the presence of cutaneous signs associated with open septal defects, neurogenic bladder with incontinence or urinary tract infection, leg or foot weakness, numbness and/or spasticity, differences in leg or foot length, deformities of the foot, spinal deformities, and back and leg pain.Neuroimaging is used to confirm when there is suspicion of TCS. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice in visualizing the level of the conus medullaris and for identifying a thickened and/or fatty filum.The fundamental goals of surgical intervention in TCS are to prevent future deficits in the asymptomatic patient and to improve or stabilize deficits in the symptomatic patient. These two goals are based on the fact that sectioning of the terminal filum can be done safely with minimal risk and a very low rate of morbidity. The reported complications of surgery are cerebrospinal fluid leakage (most common), wound infection, meningitis, bladder dysfunction, and neurological injury.

Tethered Cord Syndrome

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a clinical condition of various origins, which comprises of progressive neurological, urological, and orthopaedic dysfunction, because of congenital fixation or tethering of the distal spinal cord by the terminal filum. It is believed that, if the filum elasticity is compromised by either fatty infiltration or abnormal thickening, the spine movement may cause stress upon the conus, resulting in TCS.Patients with symptomatic TCS can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms in combination with cutaneous, orthopaedic, spinal, anorectal, and urological abnormalities. The common clinical presentations include the presence of cutaneous signs associated with open septal defects, neurogenic bladder with incontinence or urinary tract infection, leg or foot weakness, numbness and/or spasticity, differences in leg or foot length, deformities of the foot, spinal deformities, and back and leg pain.Neuroimaging is used to confirm when there is suspicion of TCS. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice in visualizing the level of the conus medullaris and for identifying a thickened and/or fatty filum.