Tethered Cord

Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurologic disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord. This syndrome is closely associated with spina bifida. It is estimated that 20-50% of children with spina bifida defects that are repaired shortly after birth will require surgery at some point to untether the spinal cord.