J Korean Med Assoc.  2009 Jan;52(1):78-90. 10.5124/jkma.2009.52.1.78.

Spinal Dysraphism and Tethered Cord Syndrome

• Kim DS

• KMID: 2137736
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2009.52.1.78

Abstract

Spinal dysraphism is a common birth defect that causes different kinds of secondary impairments, including joint deformities, reduced mobility, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Various dysraphic spinal abnormalities result in tethered cord syndrome, a progressive form of neurological deterioration that results from spinal cord tethering. The surgery and management of children who have spinal dysraphism require multidisciplinary care and long-term follow-up by multiple specialists in birth defects. This article reviews the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic management of spinal dysraphism in infancy.

Keyword

Spinal dysraphism; Neural tube defect; Spina bifida

MeSH Terms

Child
Congenital Abnormalities
Humans
Joints
Neural Tube Defects
Specialization
Spinal Cord
Spinal Dysraphism
Urinary Bladder