Type I Split Spinal Cord Malformation: Literature review, Case presentation and Surgical Technique

Background: Split Spinal cord Malformation (SSCM) is a form of spinal dysraphism in which any or all of the spinal cord, cauda equina, and filum terminale are divided by a bony or fibrous spur. There are two described types of SSCM, namely Types I and II. In Type I SSCM, there are separate hemi-cords contained in two dural sacs, separated by a bony spur; in Type II SSCM, there is a single dural sac containing two hemi-cords separated by a fibrous band. Purpose: We present here a case presentation of an adult patient with Type I SSCM with tethered spinal cord. Also presented is a literature review on the embryogenesis, anatomy and imaging findings of SSCM. Conclusions: In untreated cases of diastematomyelia, neurological deficits are progressive in nature in both the adult and pediatric populations. Thus, many authors advocate early surgical intervention. Further studies are needed to evaluate the incidence of re-tethering after surgical treatment of SCCM.