Autoamputation of Fingers — A Rare Presentation of Tethered Cord after Early Repair of Cervicothoracic Myelomeningocele

Abstract

Dorsal myelomeningoceles are rare but well-recognized lesions. The phenomenon of the cord tethering at the operative site several years after surgery is known. Self-mutilation of the fingers as the presenting symptom of such tethered cord is extremely rare with only one case reported in literature. We report a 14-year-old girl with past history of undergoing dorsal myelomeningocele repair at birth presenting with history of nonhealing ulcer at the proximal phalanx of the little finger and the absence of the middle and distal phalanges. Imaging revealed tethering of the cord at the previous surgical site. She underwent exploration of the surgical site and detethering of the cord yielding good results. The clinical, radiological, and operative findings are discussed.

Keywords

tethered cord - myelomeningocele

Introduction

Spinal dysraphism occurs infrequently in the cervicodorsal region and the frequency varies, with occult spinal dysraphism (1.6%)[1] and spina bifida cystica (3.9–8%).[2] [3] Approximately 3 to 5% of children will develop secondary tethered cord syndrome (TCS) following repair of a myelomeningocele and most commonly occur in the lumbosacral region.[4] Self-mutilation of the fingers due to concurrent secondary tethering of the cord is very rare and only one such case has been reported in literature.[5] We report a case of secondary tethered cord presenting with self-mutilation of the fingers managed surgically with good results.

Case History

A 14-year-old girl presented with history of nonhealing ulcer and loss of distal and middle phalanges of her left little finger. She had undergone repair of myelomeningocele at D1 to D3 level in her childhood. She was asymptomatic until 11 years of age when she noticed gradual onset of decreased sensations to all modalities in her left hand especially the ring and little finger. She had dysesthesias in her little finger and to get relief she used to graze it against a rough surface. This self-mutilation led to gradual loss of tissue and a nonhealing chronic ulcer on her little finger. On examination, there were trophic changes involving left hand with a nonhealing ulcer of the little finger and loss of phalanges of ring and little fingers ([Fig. 1A]).There was loss of sensation to all modalities of the little finger. There was no weakness of any group of muscles but had grade 1 spasticity of the lower limbs with bilateral extensor plantar response. There was no history suggestive of bowel or bladder involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the dorsal spine revealed tethering of the cord at D1–D3 levels (previous surgical site) with focal syringomyelia ([Fig. 2A]).With a diagnosis of secondary tethered cord syndrome she was taken up for surgery. The previous operative site was explored through a midline incision from C6 to D5. Laminectomy of C7 and D4 was done to expose the normal dural tube. All the adhesions along D1 to D3 were removed and the dura was opened at C7 level under operating microscope. The dural opening was extended around the scar tissue and tethered cord segment till D4 level. The tethered cord was meticulously dissected from the scar tissue and the dura was closed primarily. The postoperative period was uneventful. At 6 months follow-up she had improvement in the sensations of her left hand and the ulcer slowly healed ([Fig. 1B]).The follow-up MRI showed improved alignment of the spinal cord and loss of tethering ([Fig. 2B])

Fig.1 Preoperative (A) and postoperative (B) clinical photo of the left hand showing trophic changes, loss of distal phalanx of the ring finger, loss of distal and middle phalanges of the little finger, and nonhealing ulcer with granulation involving the little finger which healed postoperatively.

Fig. 2 Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervicodorsal spine T2-weighted saggital preoperative (A) and postoperative (B) showing the tethering of the cord at D1–D2 levels with localized syrinx formation with resolution following surgery.

Discussion

Secondary TCS following repair of a myelomeningocele is a well-recognized but under-reported entity.[5] The incidence of symptomatic tethered cord after myelomeningocele reported in literature ranges from 3 to 30%.[4] [6] The onset of symptoms due to secondary tethering may start anytime between early childhood and late adulthood[7] but most commonly present at an age of 2 to 8 years.[6] The major clinical presentations of secondary TCS are increased weakness, gait abnormalities, scoliosis, pain, orthopedic deformities, and decreased urological function.[8] Self-mutilation in the form of tongue biting, mutilation of the lips, and fingertips, suggests analgesia resulting from abnormalities of the sensory systems. It is seen in several conditions including the hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (I–V), Lesch–Nyhan syndrome, chronic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, pyridoxine intoxication, brachial plexus injury in infants, and spinal cord injuries in children.[9] Tethered cord presenting as self-mutilation of the fingers is very rare and only two cases are reported in literature. Myles et al reported self-mutilation of the fingers in a 1-year-old girl with occult spinal dysraphism. The mechanism of self-mutilation injury in this patient was by repeated trauma from sucking and biting the fingers in the presence of abnormal sensory pathways from cord damage.[9] Tubbs et al reported a 16-year-old girl who was born with a myelomeningocele and noted that concurrent with her spinal cord becoming symptomatically tethered, she began to self-mutilate her digits. The mechanism of self-mutilation may be the dysesthesias secondary to the tethering of the cord.[5] The case reported by us is similar to that of Tubbs et al and a similar mechanism can explain the self-mutilation of the fingers. The response to surgical intervention in both the cases was good with healing of the wounds and good neurological recovery similar to our patient. Pathophysiology of TCS relates to the restricted normal movements of the spinal cord that would occur with flexion, extension, and axial growth of the spine causing stretching of the lower aspect of the spinal cord and resultant injury.[10] The primary goal of surgical correction is to release the spinal cord from the adhering scar most commonly located in the area of the previous closure. Additional abnormalities are found in 30% of the cases and they should be looked for and addressed.[8] The outcome is particularly good in relation to pain and weakness, but the procedure is not as successful in alleviating sphincter dysfunction.[9]

Conclusion

Self-mutilation of the fingers is a very rare presentation of tethered cord and should be suspected in a patient with new onset neurological symptoms following myelomeningocele repair.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Acknowledgment

None.

Disclosure

None.

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