Tethered Cord Syndrome in Adulthood: A Case of Spinal Lipoma Presenting with Progressive Unilateral Limb Weakness

Abstract

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a neurological disorder where the spinal cord is abnormally fixed, which limits its movement and causes worsening neurological problems. We describe a 27-year-old woman who developed increasing weakness and muscle loss in her right lower limb over 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tethered cord with a spinal lipoma from L5 to S3. She was diagnosed with TCS caused by a lumbosacral lipoma. This case shows that TCS should be considered in adults with unexplained limb weakness and back pain, since early diagnosis and surgery are important to prevent lasting nerve damage.