[Tethered cord syndrome--our three cases and the review of the literature (author's transl)].

Three cases of tethered cord syndrome are presented with reference of reported literatures. This syndrome is usually associated with spina bifida occulta and cutaneous manifestation such as subcutaneous tumor, skin dimple, hairy patch, and neavus. Presented symptoms are various progressive neurological deficits involving weakness and/or sensory disturbance of lower limbs, bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, leg and/or low back pain, and orthopedic pathological conditions such as scoliosis and/or foot deformities. Properly performed myelography is the only method of preoperative confirmation of this syndrome. As the surgical release of the tethered spinal cord is effective for these various symptoms except for foot deformity, early investigation and early surgery are recommended.