What is the true tethered cord syndrome?
BACKGROUND
The tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a stretch-induced functional disorder of the spinal cord with its caudal part anchored by an inelastic structure.


CONCLUSIONS
This article clarifies the reversible lesions that occur in the cord segments above any of the inelastic abnormalities. These lesions are found mostly in the lumbosacral cord, occasionally in the cervical cord and closely correlate with clinical findings. Imaging studies alone do not allow accurate diagnosis of the TCS. The authors emphasize the importance of adhering to the physiological terms "tethered cord syndrome" and "tethered spinal cord" to avoid controversies derived from terms that are not based on the pathophysiology of TCS.
Yamada
Shokei
S
Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA. yamada1000@gmail.com
Won
Daniel J
DJ
D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*