[Tethered spinal cord and lipoma. Contribution of magnetic resonance imaging]

A 12 year-old boy was investigated for progressive deformity of the left foot developing over 2 years. The foot was hollow with equinus varus and claw toes. Signs of a lesion of left L5 and S1 roots were present and spina bifida at L5 was noted on X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a tethered spinal cord associated with a lipoma at the level of the S1 vertebra. Modes of presentation and physiopathology of disorders related to tethered cords are reviewed and the diagnostic value of MRI is emphasized.