Scoliosis may be the first symptom of the tethered spinal cord

Conclusion: In TCS presented with scoliosis, untethering must be performed prior to the corrective spinal surgery. Absence of MRI findings does not definitely exclude TCS. SSEP is an important additional guidance in the diagnosis of TCS. After untethering, a followup period of 6 months is essential to show it untethering helps in stopping the progress of the scoliotic curve. In spite of non progression (curve stopped lesser than 45°) or even improvement of scoliosis, there may be no need for major orthopedic surgical intervention.

Source: Indian Journal of Orthopaedics - January 8, 2016 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Mustafa BarutcuogluMehmet SelcukiAhmet Sukru UmurMesut MeteSeren Gulsen GurgenDeniz Selcuki Source Type: research