Spinal Dysraphism and Tethered Cord Syndrome

Dong Seok Kim

doi:10.5124/jkma.2009.52.1.78

J Korean Med Assoc > Volume 52(1); 2009 > Article

Kim: Spinal Dysraphism and Tethered Cord Syndrome

Continuing Education Column

Journal of the Korean Medical Association

Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2009; 52(1): 78-90.

Published online: January 31, 2009

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2009.52.1.78

Spinal Dysraphism and Tethered Cord Syndrome

Dong Seok Kim, MD

Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea. dskim33@yuhs.ac

Abstract

Spinal dysraphism is a common birth defect that causes different kinds of secondary impairments, including joint deformities, reduced mobility, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Various dysraphic spinal abnormalities result in tethered cord syndrome, a progressive form of neurological deterioration that results from spinal cord tethering. The surgery and management of children who have spinal dysraphism require multidisciplinary care and long-term follow-up by multiple specialists in birth defects. This article reviews the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic management of spinal dysraphism in infancy.

Spinal dysraphism; Neural tube defect; Spina bifida

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Figure 1

Diagram of spina bifida and MR axial view. (A, E): normal, (B): spina bifida occulta, (C, F): spina bifida cytica-meningocele, (D, G): spina bifida cytica-myelomeningocele.