Neurofibromatosis

Overview:

  • The most common skeletal manifestation of neurofibromatosis is in the spine.

Classification:

  1. Non-Dystrophic – similar to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).
  2. Dystrophic:
    • Vertebral scalloping.
    • Tight acute curves.
    • Foraminal widening.
    • Pencil-like transverse processes (TPs).

Features:

  • Kyphoscoliosis due to NF.
  • High rate of intraneural anomalies.
  • MRI is essential before any intervention.

Management:

  • Management principles are similar to those of AIS.
  • More aggressive treatment is required for the dystrophic type.
  • There is a higher rate of pseudoarthrosis following surgery in these cases.
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