[The tethered cord syndrome].

The "tethered cord syndrome" as a complication of spinal dysraphism is probably more important than assumed earlier. An abnormally low position of the conus medullaris is caused by different anomalies: e.g. adhesions, lumbosacral lipoma, tight filum terminale. In some patients no skinny changes can be detected. A "tethered cord syndrome" should be considered, if neuromuscular skeletal changes as club-foot, scoliosis, muscular atrophy of disturbances of gait, sensibility or function of bladder and rectum are recognized. It is also a result of a inadequately operated meningomyelocele. For experienced examiners sonography is an interesting non-invasive diagnostic procedure during infancy. The diagnosis should be completed by spinal computerized tomography and myelography. Surgery should be performed prophylactically. The "tethered cord syndrome" is explained by case histories of the University Hospital of Children, Freiburg.