Abstract：Objective According to analysis on difference clinical manifestation between adolescent and adult patients with tethered cord syndrome, the process from generation to progression in the disease was inquired into. According to evaluation on nervous disorders from the disease, clinical characters and prognosis significance for the disease were judged and mastered. Methods 142 patients with tethered cord syndrome were grouped into adolescent ( less than 14-year-old) and adult ( more than 15-year-old) in our study. The average internal period from initial symptoms to operation was 6 years. The disorder of urine, deform of lower legs and foots, weakness of bilateral lower extremities, sensation dysfunction were compared with between two groups. The X-ray, MRI scan, urine dynamics, remained urine of bladder, and monitor of electrophysiology on time were compared with between preoperative and postoperative, and were evaluated long-time follow-up. Results In adolescent group, there are 16 (59.3%) cases obtained improvement after operation in 27 cases suffered urinary dysfunction. The deform of legs and foots was interrupted in 22 (43.1%) cases from 29 suffered the progressing deformation. The muscle strength was improved in 31 (81.5%) cases postoperative from 38 cases suffered legs weakness. The improvement of sensation was obtained in 39 (82.9%) cases from 47 cases suffered sensation dysfunction. In adult group, there are 52 (62.7%) cases obtained improvement after operation in 83 cases suffered urinary dysfunction. The muscle strength was improved in 56 (72.7%) cases postoperative from 77 cases suffered legs weakness. The improvement of sensation was obtained in 43 (76.9%) cases from 56 cases suffered sensation dysfunction. Conclusions In urine dysfunction, the improving rate in adult was higher than in adolescent. In muscle strength, deform of legs and foots, and sensation dysfunction, the improving rate in adolescent was higher than in adult. In additional, intra-operative electrophysiological monitoring prevented the nervous from injury, the satisfied outcome and prognosis were obtained by open operation.
2013, Vol. 24 
