Abstract
Object
Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) encompasses a spectrum of neurological dysfunction related to excessive tension on the distal spinal cord resulting in anatomic deformation and metabolic disturbance. Symptoms typically manifest as back/leg pain, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, constipation, sphincter abnormalities, and scoliosis. To date, among the least well-described symptoms of TCS is pain or hypersensitivity in the perineal region. The authors reviewed their experience with spinal cord detethering to identify and further characterize those who present with perineal pain or hypersensitivity.
Methods
Cases of spinal cord detethering at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were initially identified by procedural codes. Cases were reviewed for presenting symptoms, specifically perineal pain or hypersensitivity. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings, clinical outcome, and length of follow-up were also noted.
Results
Of the 491 patients identified, seven patients (1.4 %) were identified as having preoperative perineal pain or hypersensitivity. All of these patients had complete resolution of perineal pain/hypersensitivity at the time of last follow-up. Furthermore, five (71 %) of these patients experienced resolution of all initial symptoms.
Conclusion
Perineal pain or hypersensitivity can be an important symptom of spinal cord tethering. Spinal cord detethering may result in a good outcome and relief of perineal pain or hypersensitivity.
Similar content being viewed by others
Abbreviations
- TCS:
-
Tethered cord syndrome
References
Yamada S (2010) Tethered cord syndrome in children and adults. Thieme
Hertzler DA 2nd, DePowell JJ, Stevenson CB, Mangano FT (2010) Tethered cord syndrome: a review of the literature from embryology to adult presentation. Neurosurg Focus 29, E1
Lew SM, Kothbauer KF (2007) Tethered cord syndrome: an updated review. Pediatr Neurosurg 43:236–248
Agarwalla PK, Dunn IF, Scott RM, Smith ER (2007) Tethered cord syndrome. Neurosurg Clin N Am 18:531–547
Garces-Ambrossi GL, McGirt MJ, Samuels R, Sciubba DM, Bydon A, Gokaslan ZL, Jallo GI (2009) Neurological outcome after surgical management of adult tethered cord syndrome. J Neurosurg Spine 11:304–309
Conflict of interest
None
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Robbins, J.W., Lundy, P.A., Gard, A.P. et al. Perineal pain secondary to tethered cord syndrome: retrospective review of single institution experience. Childs Nerv Syst 31, 2141–2144 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-015-2879-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-015-2879-z