title: Spinal cord transection for definitive untethering of repetitive tethered cord.
abstract: In certain highly selected circumstances, division of a distally nonfunctional or dysfunctional cord can be a means of definitive untethering that spares and protects more rostral neurological function and results in definitive untethering. The authors reviewed their institutional experience with such cases and evaluated the limited literature. Based on their experience, treatment can be effective in carefully selected patients who undergo spinal cord transection, and the rate of repetitive tethered spinal cord can be decreased.
authors.affiliation: Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Blount
authors.forename: R Shane
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Tubbs
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wellons
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Acakpo-Satchivi
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: W Jerry
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Oakes
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000601:surgery* / Q000652:urine*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome