What is spinal tethering syndrome?

  Spinal cord tethering syndrome may be caused by congenital (e.g., viral infection in early pregnancy of the mother, lack of vegetables and severe deficiency of folic acid, etc.) or acquired (e.g., lumbosacral spinal canal surgery) causes, during human growth and development, the spinal canal grows faster than the spinal cord, so the lower end of the spinal cord is gradually elevated relative to the lower end of the spinal canal The lower end of the spinal cord is tethered and fixed, and the spinal cord is stretched and undergoes ischemic pathological changes, resulting in A series of neurological dysfunction and deformity syndromes. The neurological damage increases progressively with age, spinal cord development, and increased bending activities. Spinal cord tethering is a condition in which the lower end of the spinal cord is unable to rise normally due to various reasons, leaving it in a lower than normal position. It is one of the main pathological mechanisms leading to neurological symptoms due to various congenital developmental abnormalities, and the resulting series of clinical manifestations is called spinal cord tethering syndrome.  Etiology] Various congenital abnormalities of the spinal cord and spinal ends can lead to spinal cord tethering, such as occult spina bifida, spondylolisthesis, spinal cord spondylolisthesis, spinal cord end filament tension, lumbosacral spinal canal lipoma, congenital cysts and latent hair sinus. In addition to the aforementioned congenital factors, postoperative adhesions of lumbosacral spinal bulge can also lead to re-tethering of the spinal cord. It is generally believed that spinal cord tethering causes blood circulation disorders at the end of the spinal cord, resulting in the corresponding neurological symptoms.  Clinical manifestations] The clinical manifestations of spinal cord tethering syndrome (spinal cord tethering syndrome) are similar to those of spina bifida, mainly in the following aspects: lumbosacral skin changes lumbosacral skin bulge or depression, possibly with discharge or infection; hirsutism; bulging large masses. These predict the presence of occult spina bifida, latent hair sinus, and spinal bulge, which may be combined with spinal cord tethering.  Motor deficits of the lower extremities are characterized by abnormal walking, weakness, deformity and pain of the lower extremities, and may be combined with scoliosis.  Sensory disorders of the lower extremities include abnormal sensation and pain in the lower extremities, perineum and low back.  Urinary and fecal dysfunction commonly manifests as urinary retention, difficulty in urination, urinary incontinence, more frequent urination, less than normal volume each time, etc.; constipation, constipation, or incontinence.  The diagnosis of spinal cord tethering is made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which not only clarifies the presence or absence of spinal cord tethering, but also allows for the understanding of other coexisting pathological changes, such as lipoma and longitudinal spinal bifida, etc. X-ray can determine the presence or absence of spina bifida. Ultrasound and urodynamic examination of the urinary tract are performed in conjunction with urinary and fecal function to evaluate the extent of urinary tract involvement and spinal cord neurological impairment.