The filum terminale internum and externum: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Introduction: The filum terminale has oven been overlooked in the literature probably due to its small size and historical lack of research on its true morphology. However, this structure's roll in the tethered cord syndrome has become more apparent. Therefore, the current comprehensive review seemed timely.

Methods: Using standard search engines, the history, embryology, anatomy, pathology and surgery of the filum terminale were reviewed.

Conclusions: It is only recently that the true anatomy and pathological involvement of the filum terminale in the tethered cord syndrome have been elucidated.

Keywords: Anatomy; Spinal cord; Spine; Tethered cord.