What is the function of filum terminale?

What is the function of filum terminale?

The filum terminale (FT) is a fibrous band that extends from the conus medullaris to the periosteum of the coccyx, and its functions are to fixate, stabilize, and buffer the distal spinal cord from normal and abnormal cephalic and caudal traction.

What causes fatty filum?

In most cases, a fatty filum is an incidental and asymptomatic finding. However, in some individuals, it is associated with spinal dysraphism and tethered cord syndrome.

What is filum disease?

The Filum Disease affects the spine and nervous system causing pain throughout the body, changes in sensitivity to temperature and touch, lack of strength in the extremities, tiredness, dizziness, instability, even alterations of memory and concentration.

What is thickened filum terminale?

A thickened or fatty filum terminale may be associated with a low conus and a spectrum of clinical findings, including bladder dysfunction, leg numbness and weakness, and scoliosis. In the presence of neurologic findings and a fatty filum, an untethering procedure may be considered.

Is the filum terminale a nerve?

The most inferior of the spinal nerves, the coccygeal nerve leaves the spinal cord at the level of the conus medullaris via respective vertebrae through their intervertebral foramina, superior to the filum terminale….

What is fatty infiltration of the filum terminale?

Fatty infiltration of the filum terminale is a generic term which implies a fibrolipoma within this structure histologically, which theoretically develops during the latter stage of canalization and differentiation. A lipoma is a mass- like lesion which may or may not be associated with a tethered cord.

Where is the filum terminale found?

The upper part, or filum terminale internum, measures some 15 cm in length and reaches the level of the lower edge of the second sacral vertebra. It is located within the thecal sac and surrounded by the nerves that make up the cauda equina.

What are the symptoms of tethered cord syndrome?

Symptoms of tethered cord vary, and may include:

• Back pain.
• Numbness in the legs or feet.
• Deformities such as hammertoes, feet turning in or out, high arches.
• Walking on the toes.
• Incontinence.
• Chronic constipation.
• Frequent urinary tract infections.

Is tethered cord serious?

Although it is rare, a patient with tethered spinal cord can continue undiagnosed into adulthood. In such cases, the strain on the spinal cord increases, leading to increasing sensory and motor problems, as well as loss of bladder and bowel control.

Does filum terminale contain nerve?

The filum terminale is the nonfunctional continuation of the end of the spinal cord. It usually consists of fibrous tissue without functional nervous tissue.

What does the filum terminale look like?

The filum terminale (“terminal thread”) is a delicate strand of fibrous tissue, about 20 cm in length, proceeding downward from the apex of the conus medullaris. It is one of the modifications of pia mater.

Where is the filum terminale located?

an extension of the pia mater that extends from the terminal end of the spinal cord to the tailbone. The filum terminale helps to anchor the spinal cord in place.

What are symptoms of a tethered spinal cord?

Symptoms of Tethered Spinal Cord

• Back pain or shooting pain in the legs.
• Weakness, numbness or problems with muscle function in the legs.
• Tremors or spasms in the leg muscles.
• Changes in the way the feet look, like higher arches or curled toes.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control that gets worse.

Can tethered cord cause paralysis?

In milder cases, this pull on the spinal cord is minimal and typically does not lead to damage. That being said, patients with more severe cases may exhibit the symptoms of a spinal cord injury, such as lower body paralysis or a loss of sensation.

What does a fatty filum terminale mean?

Where does the filum terminale start and end?

The filum terminale is a small thin filament of connective tissue that extends inferiorly from the apex of the conus medullaris to the sacrum.

What is fatty filum on spine?

Fatty filum terminale, also known as lipoma of the filum terminale or filar lipoma, is a relatively common finding on imaging of the lumbar spine, and in most cases is an incidental finding of no clinical concern. However, in some patients it may be associated with signs and symptoms of tethered cord syndrome.

Where does the filum terminale end?

The lower part, or filum terminale externum, closely adheres to the dura mater. It extends downward from the apex of the tubular sheath and is attached to the back of the first segment of the coccyx in a structure sometimes referred to as the coccygeal ligament….

Can tethered cord be cured?

The good news is that tethered spinal cord is a very treatable condition, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Surgery is the most common treatment to “untether” the spinal cord from the spinal tissue.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged filum terminale?

The filum can be enlarged either with fibrous tissue only or with fat. A thickened or fatty filum terminale may be associated with a low conus and a spectrum of clinical findings, including bladder dysfunction, leg numbness and weakness, and scoliosis. In the presence of neurologic findings and a fatty filum,…

What does a thickening of the filum terminale mean?

Ultrasound. Spinal US shows an abnormally thickened filum terminale, sometimes in combination with a centrally located small cyst or lipoma. By definition, the diameter of the filum terminale exceeds 2 mm (normal range, 0.5–2 mm) at the level of L5-S1. Owing to the presence of tethering, the tip of the conus medullaris is located below L2-3.

How is tight filum terminale syndrome (TFC) diagnosed?

The term “tight filum terminale syndrome” is synonymous with “tethered cord syndrome” secondary to a “tight filum terminale.” The emphasis on ” syndrome ” highlights a clinical diagnosis made by the synthesis of symptoms, neurologic exam signs, and laboratory tests such as urodynamics.

What are the diagnostic features of filum terminale cancer?

Radiographic features. Ultrasound. Spinal US shows an abnormally thickened filum terminale, sometimes in combination with a centrally located small cyst or lipoma. By definition, the diameter of the filum terminale exceeds 2 mm (normal range, 0.5–2 mm) at the level of L5-S1.