The neuropathology of “tethered cord”

The term “tethered cord” refers to any condition in which the spinal cord is rendered partly or completely immobile within the spinal canal. As a clinicopathologic entity, tethered cord generally involves an abnormally low and relatively fixed conus medullaris, often arising in a distal spinal cord and/or vertebral malformation. This article reviews the essentials of etiology, pathogenesis, and neuropathology of tethered cord.