Issue release date: 13.09.2024
2Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Kayseri, Türkiye DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.43843-23.6 AIM: To present symptoms and surgical results of patients operated on with the diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in adulthood.
MATERIAL and METHODS: In this retrospective study, 20 patients older than 18 years were evaluated. There were 17 female and 3 male patients. Patient demographics, clinical and surgical results were evaluated.
RESULTS: The mean age was 29.9 years and the mean follow-up period was 30 months. Of the 20 patients with low back and leg pain, 16 had relief. Two were partially benefited and 2 were unchanged. In nine patients, carrying heavy loads, excessive exercise, childbirth, and walking too long before the onset of symptoms were detected. Complaint of urinary incontinance was improved only in one patient. Three of them continued with frequent urination. There was no change in two of them. There was no improvement in sensory dysfunction and sphincter dysfunction.
CONCLUSION: In patients diagnosed with TCS in adulthood, symptoms may begin with physical activity, and clinical recovery is better when early surgery is performed.
Keywords : Adult tethered cord syndrome, Tethered cord, Tethered cord syndrome, Incontinence