Cervical cord tethering due to split cord malformation at the cervico-dorsal junction presenting with self-mutilation of the fingers

Abstract

An unusual case of cervical spinal cord tethering with diplomyelia is described. A 12-month old female presented with self-mutilation of the fingers due to sensory loss in the hands, absent reflexes, poor muscle tone, and reduced distal upper-limb movements. There was a deep skin dimple overlying the T1 spinous process. Imaging showed angulation of the lower cervical cord and an operation revealed a low cervical meningocele and a split cord malformation with tethering of one half of the cord; the cord was untethered. In this report the literature is reviewed.