Tethered cord syndrome: progressive symptomatology in adults. Case report: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment.

Medical history and symptoms of a 37 year old woman showing progressive conus syndrome for nine months after a symptomless interval of 20 years are reported. NMR, myelography, and computed tomographic myelography verify a filum terminale with a paramedian fixation at the level of the lumbosacral angel and a further fixation at the caudal end of the dural sac at the lower end of the sacrum. The operative findings and procedures are described. The importance of control by neuro-stimulation of the filum terminale during surgery is stressed. The post-operative remission of most of the symptoms proves the success of the treatment.