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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Patch Of Hair Above The Buttocks In A Child?

Hi!
I just want to ask about tethered spinal cord for babies. The result of my congenital anomaly scan when I was pregnant was ok but when I gave birth, my son has patch of hair above his buttocks, i'm worried if he has tethered spine. Can it be lanugo or a sign of tethered spine?
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 22 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 16 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pediatrician, Surgery,  's  Response
Hi

If the patch of hair is mainly in the midline, it might suggest spina bifida occulta. THis may or may not be associated with tethered cord.

Even if it is there, if the nerve mapping and muscle power are normal, one would wait and watch as the child grows. Surgery to release it is typically done either when they have trouble with sensation/ function or new onset problems with urination/ stooling/ neurological issues. Most of children with spina bifida occulta do not require detethering but will need detailed evaluation. The only way to resolve your question of is it a sign of tethered cord is to have an XRAY of the spine and if doubtful, to proceed to an MRI.
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Pediatrician, Surgery,  Dr. Pallav Gupta's  Response
A patch of hair may not always indicate tethered spine. However, for your satisfaction you may get an MRI of the spine to rule that out.
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What Causes Patch Of Hair Above The Buttocks In A Child?

Hi If the patch of hair is mainly in the midline, it might suggest spina bifida occulta. THis may or may not be associated with tethered cord. Even if it is there, if the nerve mapping and muscle power are normal, one would wait and watch as the child grows. Surgery to release it is typically done either when they have trouble with sensation/ function or new onset problems with urination/ stooling/ neurological issues. Most of children with spina bifida occulta do not require detethering but will need detailed evaluation. The only way to resolve your question of is it a sign of tethered cord is to have an XRAY of the spine and if doubtful, to proceed to an MRI.