Asymptomatic massive dural ectasia associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 threatening spinal column support: treatment by anterior vascularized fibula graft

J Spinal Disord Tech. 2004 Dec;17(6):539-42. doi: 10.1097/01.bsd.0000117544.88865.f0.

Abstract

We report the case of a girl with a dystrophic neurofibromatosis lumbar scoliosis with asymptomatic progression and spread of dystrophic characteristics over 18 years. Resorption of almost the entire anterior column of L1-L4 had occurred despite a previous posterior instrumentation and fusion. A vascularized fibula bone graft wrapped in titanium mesh was used as an anterior structural graft. With close follow-up, the need for this type of salvage surgery might have been averted. Further follow-up showed no graft resorption and unchanged sagittal alignment after 3 years.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / etiology
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / surgery
  • Disease Progression
  • Dura Mater / abnormalities
  • Dura Mater / pathology
  • Dura Mater / surgery
  • Female
  • Fibula / transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications*
  • Scoliosis / complications*
  • Scoliosis / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome