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Tethered Spinal Cord and AIS

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  • Tethered Spinal Cord and AIS

    I found this article to be quite interesting. When we had our appointment with the surgeon the other day, he did mention that he wanted an MRI on my son to rule out other causes for his scoliosis such as a "tethered spinal cord". Can a shortened spinal cord be considered tethering? Anyone have any info on this? Let me know what you think of the info from the site below.

    Here is one of the few articles I've been reading this afternoon: http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/3/1/8
    Son 14 y/o diagnosed January 20th. 2011 with 110* Curve
    Halo Traction & 1st. surgery on March 22nd. 2011
    Spinal Fusion on April 19th. 2011

    Dr. Krajbich @ Shriners Childrens Hospital, Portland Oregon



    http://tinyurl.com/Elias-Before
    http://tinyurl.com/Elias-After

  • #2
    Yes, a tethered cord can be a shortened spinal cord. When my daughter was nine, the pediatrician noticed slight curve when we were there for an unrelated issue. She was sent to a pediatric orthopedic specialist who took xrays of her back. He saw something suspicious on her spine and sent her to see a neurosureon who did an MRI and diagnosed a syrinx and a tethered spinal cord. She had surgery to correct tethered spinal cord and was told that her scoliosis would probably not get any worse. She was at 23 degree at that time. Within the next year, even while wearing a TLSO brace 23 hours a day, her curve progressed to 53 degrees. She had a Spinal fusion T3 - T12 when she was 11 years old. When she was 12, one of her rods broke loose, and she had it repaired plus another fusion T1-T3. Now, at 13 and six months after her third surgery, she is straight and balanced with only minor shoulder protrusion and rib hump (practically undetectable while dressed). At her six month checkup, we see that her lumbar curve is now progressing. Her doctor doesn't want to go into the Lumbar unless Absolutely necessary and neither does she. We are watching and waiting. I have done tons of research on tethered cord and scoliosis and the only definate thing I have come up with is that every case is VASTLY different. Her doctor agrees that it is VERY unpredictable. Scoliosis will overtake your life if you let it. It is so misunderstood and most people don't understand. We have learned that we have to leave it in God's hands and just take it day by day. I don't get on here much anymore, but when I saw your post, I decided to respond. I am very curious about others dealing with AIS and tethered cord. If there is any specific question, I might could answer for you I would be happy to. I am definately not a professional in this area, but believe I can help others through my experience with scoliosis. I have done lots or research and talked to many doctors, including those at Shriners. I hope your sons surgery goes well. Please keep us updated.

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