title: Tethered cord syndrome in childhood: diagnostic features and relationship to congenital anomalies.
abstract: Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS) is a stretch-induced functional disorder of the spinal cord that often develops and presents in childhood in association with spinal dysraphism. While the subtlety with which TCS can present makes it challenging to diagnose, awareness of the common neurological, musculoskeletal and urologic symptoms are of great value to the clinician, and can aid timely referral for neurosurgical evaluation. This article reviews these symptoms, as well as the clinical and radiological findings of the most common dysraphic conditions associated with TCS.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Coleman Pavilion, Room A1120F, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. dmichels@ahs.llumc.edu
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Michelson
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ashwal
mesh_terms: D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000473:pathology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000209:etiology; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000209:etiology