Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation in neurofibromatosis spine curves. A preliminary report

Five patients with neurofibromatosis-induced scoliosis and dystrophic vertebral bodies were treated surgically with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentations. The surgical approaches included posterior only, anterior and posterior, and multistage procedures. Three of the five patients showed a progression of their scoliosis despite the instrumentation and fusions. One had a significant progression that may require additional surgery. Scoliosis associated with neurofibromatosis dystrophic vertebral bodies causes a curve progression that should be treated aggressively with anterior and posterior fusions. Careful follow-up observation is mandatory in neurofibromatosis patients because of the tendency for extraordinary progression with growth.