Scoliosis in Neurofibromatosis

Abstract

Eleven patients of scoliosis associated with neurofibromatosis were investigated. A sharply angulated right curve involving five vertebrae or fewer was the most common. Kyphosis was associated in nine of the eleven patients. Dystrophic osseous changes in the axial skeleton characteristic of neurofibromatous scoliosis were noted in all of the patients. The wedging of the apical vertebra at the time of detection was noted markedly. But the progression of the wedging was not distinct and not related to the progression of the curve. The structural changes of the compensatory curve in the neurofibromatous scoliosis were not so severe as in the idiopathic scoliosis.Brace treatment was unsuccessful. Operative treatment appeared necessary.