Microsurgical management of tethered cord syndrome caused by lipomas / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the microsurgical treatment for tethered cord syndrome (TCS) caused by intraspinal lipomas. Methods Thirty-two patients with intraspinal lipoma TCS were treated microsurgically. On surgery the tethering lesions of lipoma were excised and anomalies restricting the spinal cord were removed. Results Following the operation, cerebrospinal fluid subcutaneous leakage had occurred in 3 patients, who were cured by expectant treatment. The patients were followed for 3~12 months (mean, 6 months). Five patients were cured, 21 got improved, and 6 had no change. Conclusions Application of microsurgical technique for intraspinal lipoma TCS has advantages of fewer complications and better improvement of nerve functions.