tcs questions

My 8 yr. old daughter had an MRI for a dimple on her back that she was born with. The report suggests tethered cord. The report also has something in it that I dont fully understand if there is anyone that can help. We see the Neuro Dr. on the 31st.

1. incomplete appearing posterior elements at l5 throught the upper sacral spinal conal indicating some degree of congenital posterior dysraphism. there is an abnormal widening of the lower lumbar/ upper sacral spinal canal.
2. abnormal caudal positioning of the conus medullaris at the l3-l4 indicating tethered cord although no thickened filumterminale  identified.

If anyone can help me understand this please let me know. Also what is the recovering time for a child that has surgery to correct the tethered cord?  Thanks.

[selmaS]

Hi, TC is a related condition to Chiari malformation....we have a forum here on MedHelp.
I can suggest u have a  chiari specialist look at ur daughter.TC pulls down on the spinal cord and causes chiari  to form.I am no expert, and all I can tell is ur girl has some congenital malformation in her lombar region.

For more info, stop by the chiari forum and read the health pages.
Also try the websites for ASAP d  o  t  o   r   g   AND the Chiari Institute....

I know people who have had RC surgery and it appears they will not require chiari decompression surgery because of the release allows the tonsils to contract.

DId it mention nething concerning the cervical spine?......Just wondering....since she is still a child, the TC may not have caused a significant herniation and was not detected.

Again, what ever u do....get a chiari specialist.....someone that does TC and chiari surgeries on a daily basis.

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"