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Thoracic cord compression in Scheuermann's disease.
J S Yablon1, D L Kasdon, H Levine
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Spine
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Spastic paraparesis in a young man was caused by thoracic spinal cord compression from Scheuermann
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Spastic paraparesis is a neurological condition characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms in the legs.
- Thoracic spinal cord compression can lead to significant neurological deficits.
- Scheuermann's disease is a spinal condition typically causing kyphotic deformity.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old man presented with insidious onset spastic paraparesis.
- Radiologic evaluation revealed thoracic spinal cord compression due to kyphosis and disc herniation.
- The kyphosis was identified as a manifestation of Scheuermann's disease.
Findings:
- Neurologic signs are rare in Scheuermann's disease.
- Surgical decompression of the thoracic spinal cord was performed.
- The patient experienced a near-complete recovery of neurologic function post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for significant neurological compromise from Scheuermann's disease.
- Surgical intervention, including costotransversectomy and transthoracic approaches, can effectively manage thoracic cord compression.
- Early diagnosis and surgical decompression may lead to favorable outcomes in patients with spinal deformity-related myelopathy.