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Updated: Mar 23, 2026

A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
Novel Concepts in Spine Pathophysiology
1Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ.
Abstract:
Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) occurs as a constellation of neurologic signs and symptoms resulting from longitudinal traction on the spinal cord between fixed points. This condition involves a tug-of-war between ascent and inhibition of ascent of intrathecal nervous tissue within the vertebral canal during growth. Causes include thickened filum terminale, myelomeningocele, split cord malformation, and previous intradural surgery. Patients report low back, lower extremity, and perineal pain; lower extremity sensory and motor deficits; urinary and bowel incontinence; and sexual dysfunction. When not treated early or adequately, TCS can lead to neurologic devastation.
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