What is the treatment for tethered spinal cord?
It is well understood that in the majority of children with tethered cords neurological function will deteriorate with growth and activity. This is due to diminished blood supply to the nerve cells. Therefore, even if your child does not have any symptoms, surgery is often recommended to prevent future neurologic deterioration and complications. Your surgeon can discuss the specifics of treatment after review of the child and the MRI scans. Many tethering lesions can be treated with low risk operation, with an excellent prognosis for your child’s future development. Other cases are quite difficult and may require more surgery as the child ages.
