Tethered Spinal Cord Program

Research

In our Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Program and throughout our Department of Neurosurgery, our treatment is informed by our scientific research. In fact, Children’s is home to the world’s most extensive research enterprise at a pediatric hospital.

Our neurosurgeons—who are also members of the Harvard Medical School faculty—conduct ongoing research into the causes of, and treatments for, tethered spinal cord syndrome and many other disorders relating to the brain, spine and nervous system. We also collaborate with visionary scientists at Boston’s universities and throughout the surrounding biomedical community. While our individual researchers’ projects cover a broad spectrum of topics, all of our researchers share one goal: to find the best ways to treat children of all ages who are fighting these diseases, while never losing sight of the individual needs of each patient and family.

Here are just a few of current Children's neurosurgery research projects underway with potential implications for children with tethered cord:

• improving long-term outcomes for children who have suffered neurological trauma
• examining the role of certain growth factors in spinal cord injuries
• tracing the activities of cell-signaling pathways in the central nervous system
   

Clinical trials at Children’s

Children’s is known for pioneering some of the most effective techniques in the field of neurosurgery. A significant part of our success comes from our commitment to research—and to advancing the frontiers of what’s possible in neurosurgery by conducting clinical trials.

Children’s conducts hundreds of clinical trials at any given time.Clinical trials are studies that may involve:

• evaluating the effectiveness of a new drug therapy
• testing a new diagnostic procedure or device
• examining a new treatment method for a particular disease
• taking a closer look at the causes and progression of specific conditions

While children must meet strict criteria in order to be eligible for a clinical trial, your child may be eligible to take part in a study. Before considering this option, you should be sure to:

• consult with your child’s treating physician and treatment team
• gather as much information as possible about the specific course of action outlined in the trial
• do your own research about the latest breakthroughs relating to your child’s condition

If your physician recommends that your child participate in a clinical trial, you can feel confident that the plan detailed for that study represents the best and most innovative care. Taking part in a clinical trial at Children’s is entirely voluntary. Our team will be sure to fully address any questions you may have, and you may remove your child from the medical study at any time.

Find a clinical trial

Search current and upcoming clinical trials at Children’s

Search National Institutes of Health’s clinical trials taking place around the world