title: Tethered cord syndrome in myelodysplasia: correlation between level of lesion and height at time of presentation.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the onset of tethered cord syndrome is related to the level of the myelomeningocele (MMC) (sacral, low lumbar, high lumbar or thoracic) and the height and age of the patient at time of presentation. Of 163 patients followed, 18 underwent corrective surgery for symptomatic tethered cord syndrome. The level of lesion at time of presentation correlated highly with height and age. The mean height and age for each level at the time of surgery were: sacral 134.5cm, 9.3 years; low lumbar: 124cm, 9.9 years; high lumbar: 108cm, 4.9 years; thoracic: 92.4cm, 4.7 years. The author concludes that the sensorimotor level of patients with MMC is a useful clue in predicting the onset of symptoms related to tethered cord syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Division of Developmental Disabilities, University Hospital School, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Petersen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000601:surgery; D013131:Spine