Severe Cervicothoracic Kyphoscoliosis in Neurofibromatosis - A Failure Of Posterior-Only Instrumentation: A Case Report

Treatment of severe spinal deformities associated with neurofibromatosis has proven to be challenging. An 11-year-old girl, with neurofibromatosis and severe cervicothoracic kyphoscoliosis, was initially treated with posterior instrumentation and fusion. Implant failure developed within a year, requiring an anterior stabilisation and fusion with a non-vascularised fibular strut graft for better stability and increased likelihood of achieving union. The posterior instrumentation was removed due to its prominence and wound breakdown. Following the removal of the posterior implant, the fibular graft fractured. The patient was maintained on a cervical collar until union was achieved. Posterior spinal fusion alone in severe spinal deformities in neurofibromatosis has a high risk of failure. A combined anterior and posterior fusion may increase the chance of success, with better stability and union rate.