Two Cases of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Spinal Deformity Correction by the Same Surgeon with Long-Term Postoperative Follow-Up

Abstract

Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) causes progressive spinal abnormalities. Perioperative complications are common, including loss of correction and postoperative pseudoarthrosis. Long-term follow-up is frequently required. This report describes two cases of long-term postoperative follow-ups by the same surgeon.

Case Report: Case 1 involved a 66-year-old woman who underwent a combined anteroposterior surgery (Zielke and CD instrumentation) for dystrophic spinal deformity at the age of 35 years. The neurofibroma in the right thoracic cavity increased annually during follow-up; however, the patient did not undergo surgical intervention. Case 2 involved a 60-year-old man with nondystrophic thoracic scoliosis who underwent posterior corrective fixation with a Harrington rod when he was 15 years old. No postoperative pseudoarthrosis or significant loss of correction was observed, and proper sagittal and coronal alignments were maintained. Both patients were satisfied with the surgery's outcome and reported no back pain or other subjective symptoms.

Conclusion: We present two cases of neurofibromatosis type 1 spinal deformity treated using spinal instrumentation, in which the patients were followed up for >30 years. We believe that proper coronal and sagittal alignments contributed to the long-term outcomes.