After Surgery for Tethered Cord: How to Care for Your Child

Your child had surgery to treat a tethered spinal cord. During surgery, the surgeon released the cord from where it was stuck (tethered) to the inside of the spinal canal. The cord can now move freely inside the spinal canal. This can help messages move back and forth between the brain and parts of the body. The glue or stitches will dissolve on their own and don't need to be removed.

During the surgery, the health care provider made a small opening near the backbone, released any connections, and then closed the opening with medical glue or stitches. The glue or stitches will dissolve on their own and don't need to be removed.

• Give any medicines as directed. Don't give other medicines without first checking with the health care team.

• Your child can eat a normal diet.

• Follow the care team's instructions for bathing.

• Follow your health care provider's advice about exercise and other activity restrictions.

• Your child shouldn't play sports or attend gym class until the health care provider says it's OK.

• Go to the follow-up visits with your child's surgeon as directed.

Your child:

• has pain not relieved by medicine

• has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• has bleeding, swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage at the incision site

• gets a headache when standing up

• develops numbness, tingling, weakness, problems peeing or pooping, or another problem they didn't have before

Your child:

• seems irritable, confused, or extremely tired or weak

• has a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, or sensitivity to light

• appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, peeing less or having pee that is darker than usual, crying with little or no tears

• can't pee

• has severe pain in the back

Can a child get a tethered cord again? A tethered cord can happen again after a child has had one surgically fixed. Some children may need more surgery. Your child should have regular follow-up visits so the health care provider can watch for signs of retethering.