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Adhesion of the spinal cord to the surrounding dura and tethering of
the cord has several potential deleterious effects on the spinal cord.
First, cerebrospinal fluid normally flow in the space between the
spinal cord and dura. Adhesions between the spinal cord and dura may
obstruct the fluid flow. The fluid then may be forced to flow in the
central canal or through any channel that it can find.
Over time, this
abnormal flow causes an enlarged cyst in the spinal cord called a
syringomyelia or syrinx. Second, the spinal cord normally slide
smoothly within its dural enclosure. When it does not, every movement
of the spinal cord imposes additional tension on the spinal cord,
stretching or pulling the cord.
This may cause progressive damage and
loss of function over time. Removal of such adhesions or untethering
the spinal cord may be useful.