[Tethered cord syndrome in adults as a cause of disorders of bladder function]

The histories of two adults with tethered cord syndrome are presented. Slowly increasing bladder dysfunction, dysraphic disorder and increasing sensorimotor deficits gave rise to the suspicion of tethered cord syndrome. The release of the cauda equina by transsection of the thickened filum terminale and in one case removal of lipomatous tissue in addition improved the bladder function and the sensorimotor function substantially. Diagnostic procedures and aspects of the prognosis are discussed.