Experimental cord stretchability and the tethered cord syndrome.

Much remains to be learned about the embryology and pathophysiology of the "tethered cord syndrome." Of particular importance in tethered cord syndrome is spinal cord stretchability and its relation to resultant cord dysfunction. In this study, cord elongation was observed in fresh fetuses and in animals by applying weights or forceps traction at the conus medullariscauda equina region. The results show that maximum cord elongation occurs in the lumbar region, some occurs in the thoracic area, and minimal to no elongation occurs in the cervical region. These results are concordant with clinically observed lumbosacral cord dysfunction and oxidative and electrophysiologic impairment of the lumbosacral cord in tethered cord syndrome as shown by other investigators.