Tethered Cord Release

(Tethered Spinal Cord Release)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Tethered spinal cord is an abnormal attachment of the spinal cord to tissue around it. A tethered cord release is a procedure to separate the spinal cord from tissue that holds it in place.

Reasons for Procedure

The end of the spinal cord normally hangs and moves freely inside the spinal column. Abnormal tissue, growth, tightening, or thickening of tissue can make it hard to move the spinal cord. This causes extra stress on the nerves and can cause a range of symptoms known as tethered cord syndrome.

A tethered cord release reduces or removes the tissue that is holding the spinal cord in place. Releasing the tether lowers the risk of further nerve damage. It may also ease some current systems.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Infection
Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Damage to the spinal cord
The need for more surgery if the spinal cord reattaches to tissue
Problems with muscle strength, or bladder or bowel function

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Arranging for a ride to and from surgery
Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the lower back

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in the lower back. The incision will pass through muscle and protective layers of tissue around the spinal cord. A portion of the bone may be removed.

The exact steps of the procedure will depend on the tether and how much tissue is involved. Some options include:

Cutting tissue that normally sits around spinal cord but can cause problems in some
Removing fatty tissue, tumors, or scar tissue

Once the spinal cord is free, the internal tissue layers and muscles are closed. Any bone removed may be reattached. The skin is closed with stitches or a waterproof bond. A bandage will be placed over the area.

Spinal Surgery

How Long Will It Take?

About 3 hours, but more complex procedures may take longer.

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care help.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 4 to 7 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff will:

Give pain medicine
Monitor nerve function, such as leg movement and urine control
Have you lie flat on your back for up to 72 hours to prevent cerebrospinal fluid from leaking around the spinal cord

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping any incision covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
Not letting others touch any incision you have

At Home

It may take a few weeks for the incision and muscles to fully heal. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You may need to ask for help with daily activities.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge around the incision
Bulging under the incision
Changes in bladder or bowel function
Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness below the waist
Pain that you cannot control with medicine
New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
http://www.aans.org

Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Neurological Sciences Foundation
http://www.cnsfederation.org

Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca

References:

Patient education: wound care. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed July 22, 2021.

Tethered cord. About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children website. Available at: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=861&language=English. Accessed July 22, 2021.

Tethered spinal cord. Pediatric Neurosurgery website. Available at: https://pediatricneurosurgery.org/diagnosis/tethered-spinal-cord. Accessed July 22, 2021.

Tethered cord syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tethered-cord-syndrome. Accessed July 22, 2021.

Tethered spinal cord syndrome. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Tethered-Spinal-Cord-Syndrome. Accessed July 22, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 7/22/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.