A tethered cord may be congenital or aquired. Congenital tethered cord is caused by disruption in the caudel cell mass (bottom of the embryo) as the embryo is forming in the womb. Acquired tethered cord can be caused by injury and spinal tumors.

Symptoms can include:

• Skin discoloration in the lower back
• Back and leg pain
• Scoliosis
• Bowel and bladder problems

To diagnose a tethered cord, your Newport Beach orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Todd Peters will perform a complete and thorough physical examination as well as a medical history check. He may also request X-Rays, MRIs, and CT scans to better assess your case.

X-Rays – A type of quick imaging process using electromagnectic waves to better show Dr. Peters bones of the body to pinpoint possible sources of pain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This type of imaging uses radiology to show Dr. Peters the soft tissues of the body like muscles, disks, nerves, and the spinal cord.

Computerized tomography (CT) – CT scans are X-ray scans taken from various angles to create a cross-section of bones and soft tissues of the body.