Untethering of the spinal cord

Our leading HCA UK neurosurgeons can release a baby's tethered spine and prevent future growth issues

Spinal and peripheral nerve

What is untethering of the spinal cord?

This procedure aims to untether the spinal cord. This condition can occur in babies, where tissue and fat become attached to the spinal cord while in the womb.

This can prevent the spine from developing properly and cause problems as the child grows. Surgery releases the spinal cord and prevents any future nerve damage.

Need to know

This procedure happens under general anaesthetic, so your child will be asleep throughout. Your consultant surgeon will make an incision in the lower back, before lifting up the bone over the affected area of the spinal cord (laminoplasty).

They will then make a small incision to the covering of the spinal cord (the dura), before releasing the spinal cord itself. Depending on the complexity of the problem, this may take some time. The dura will then be closed and the bone repositioned. To finish, the surgeon will close the wound. 

In the week before the untethering of the spinal cord surgery, it’s important that your child stays healthy. Let your consultant know if your child has recently had a cold or a sore throat, as surgery may need to be postponed to reduce the risk of complications.

Because general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, your child may need to fast for several hours before the operation. Your consultant will tell you how long they should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

Your child will wake up in intensive care, where they will be monitored closely. They will have a follow-up MRI scan after surgery, to ensure the surgery was a success.

Your consultant will let when you know when your child can return to their normal routine and answer any questions you may have.

Our Untethering of the spinal cord locations

The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients

Chiswick Outpatients

Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.