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Delayed cervical spinal cord tethering following tonsillar resection for Chiari malformation
R F Sekula1, M Kathpal, B Blumenkopf
1Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny Neuroscience Institute/Drexel University College of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. rsekula@wpahs.org
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|September 23, 2008
Summary
Tethering of the spinal cord can occur outside the lumbosacral region. This case report details cervical spinal cord tethering 5 years after posterior fossa decompression surgery for Chiari I malformation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Spinal Cord Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord tethering is commonly associated with the lumbosacral region, often after myelomeningocele repair.
- Tethering along other parts of the neuraxis, including the cervical spinal cord, is infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A woman presented with symptoms of cervical spinal cord tethering.
- These symptoms emerged five years after undergoing suboccipital decompressive surgery for a Chiari I malformation.
Findings:
- The case highlights a rare instance of cervical spinal cord tethering.
- The development of symptoms occurred years after posterior fossa decompression surgery.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential spinal cord tethering locations.
- It underscores the importance of considering delayed tethering after posterior fossa surgery for Chiari I malformation.
- Further investigation into the diagnosis and management of non-lumbosacral spinal cord tethering is warranted.
