Tethered cord syndrome in adults

Background The tethered cord syndrome (TCS) consists of an abnormally low c onus medullaris tethered by a thickened filum terminale or various forms of spinal dysraphism. The adult variant of the syndrome seems not to be as ra re as once thought. Method. This study includes 11 patients with a TCS. Clinical, radiological findings and outcome were reviewed in these adult patients with TCS. Findings. The patients ranged in age From 18 to 34 years (mean 24.09 years) . There were 7 men and 4 women. The presenting symptoms in order of Frequen cy were as follows: low back pain radiating to legs, urinary complaints, we akness in legs and impotence. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging s cans. Physical exercise in 8, birth delivery in 1 and carrying heavy object s in 1 patient were determined as the precipitating factors. No precipitati ng factor could be defined in one of the patients. All patients were operat ed on, except for one. None of the patients worsened after surgery. Interpretation. The patients presenting with low back pain and sciatica res ponded to surgery better than those with sphincter problems.