Minimally invasive Sectioning of the Filum Terminale

Q: What happens if I don't have the surgery?

The condition may progress, leading to:– Further descent of the cerebellar tonsils (Chiari malformation)– Increased syringomyelia– Progression of scoliosis – Worsening of symptoms

EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR ARNOLD-CHIARI I-0-1,5 SYNDROME, IDIOPATHIC SYRINGOMYELIA AND IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

What is the Sectioning of the Filum Terminale?

The Sectioning of the Filum Terminale according to the Filum System ® surgical method is a minimally invasive surgical technique designed to treat Filum Disease and Neuro-cranio-vertebral syndrome.

Este procedimiento This procedure eliminates abnormal traction on the central nervous system by directly addressing the cause of several neurological conditions.

It is characterized by:

Approach using an exclusive minimally invasive technique, without opening the spinal membranes
Minimal incision at the sacral level
Safe, quick and minimally invasive surgery
Local anaesthesia with sedation (in adults)

The objective is to halt the progression of the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What conditions can it treat?

This treatment is especially indicated when filum traction is the cause of:

Arnold-Chiari Malformation (types 0, I and 1.5)
Idiopathic Syringomyelia
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Basilar impression, Platybasia and other related conditions.

With customized variations, the technique can be adapted for Tethered cord and Occult tethered cord.

Who can Benefit from this surgery

The Sectioning of the Filum Terminale can be performed on:

Children (including infants)
Adults
Elderly individuals

Provided that:

Imaging shows signs of traction
Symptoms consistent with Filum Disease are present
There are no medical contraindications.

It is not indicated in:

Secondary or traumatic syringomyelia with a known different cause
Chiari Malformations not related to filum traction.

What does the Sectioning of the Filum Terminale involve?

Duration: 40–45 minutes
Anaesthesia:
- Adults: local anaesthesia with sedation
- Children: general anaesthesia
Hospital stay: 24 hours

Care path:

Admission in the morning
Surgery
Post-operative observation
Discharge the following day

International patients can return to their home country within a few days, depending on their medical progress.

Recovery and post-operative care

First few weeks:

Avoid getting the wound wet for 10 days
Normal activity with no physical exertion for 1 month
Avoid swimming pools, baths and saunas

After the first month:

Gradually resume physical activity
Start rehabilitation if recommended

Improvement may appear::

Within hours or days
Or gradually over weeks or months

Risk and safety

This is a highly safe procedure, with infrequent and generally mild risks:

Discomfort or bruising at the incision site
Minimal risk of infection
Temporary changes in sensation
Neurological adjustments during recovery

Advantages of the treament

This minimally invasive technique offers key advantages over traditional surgical
procedures:

Addresses the cause: removes traction on the nervous system
Lower surgical risk: no membrane opening
Reduces complications: such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks
Fast recovery
Short hospital stay

Outcomes:

Over 90% of patients experience clinical improvement
Helps slow disease progression
Can prevent severe neurological complications.

Frequently asked questions about the Sectioning of the Filum Terminale

Does the Sectioning of the Filum Terminale hurt?

Discomfort is mild and localized to the incision area. It typically does not restrict mobility.

When can I return to work?

– Office work: 7–10 days
– Physical work: approximately 1 month

Is this a definitive treatment?

Yes. Retethering can occur only in very rare cases (1 in 1,000).

What happens if I don't have the surgery?

The condition may progress, leading to:
– Further descent of the cerebellar tonsils (Chiari malformation)
– Increased syringomyelia
– Progression of scoliosis
– Worsening of symptoms