Five-level cervical corpectomy for neurofibromatosis-associated spinal deformity: case report

To describe a successful five-level cervical corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction in a patient with a plexiform neurofibroma causing a severe kyphotic deformity.

Case report.

43-year-old man with history of Neurofibromatosis presented with signs and symptoms of myelopathy with spastic lower extremities and gait difficulties. Imaging studies demonstrated a severe kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine with associated cord compression secondary to an anteriorly positioned plexiform neurofibroma. Two-stage surgical procedure was designed to treat this lesion. Stage I consisted of tracheostomy placement, transmandibular, circumglossal approach to the anterior cervical spine, C2-C6 corpectomies, and C1-C7 reconstruction with a custom titanium cage/plate. Stage II consisted of suboccipital craniectomy, C1-C2 laminectomies, and occipital-cervical thoracic instrumented fusion (O-T8). There were no operative complications, but the patient did develop a small pulmonary embolism post-operatively treated with anticoagulation. Patient required two-weeks of inpatient rehabilitation following surgery. Gastrostomy tube and tracheostomy were successfully discontinued with preserved swallowing and respiratory function. Patient-reported outcome measurements revealed significant and sustained improvement post-operatively.

Five-level cervical corpectomy including C2 can be safely and successfully performed via a transmandibular, circumglossal approach. Circumferential reconstruction utilizing a custom anterior titanium cage and plate system manufactured from a pre-operative CT scan was utilized in this case. Long segment occipital-cervical-thoracic reconstruction is recommended in such a case. Using such a technique, improvement in myelopathy, correction of deformity, and improved quality of life can be achieved.