Spinal Manifestations of Neurofibromatosis: An Update

Abstract

Background and Aim: Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) is a common genetic condition in children. It is becoming increasingly recognized that in neurofibromatosis, there might be anomalous development of bone with or without any local anomaly of neuroectodermal basis. This review was conducted to highlight the different features of spinal disorders in this congenital disease. Methods and Materials: Different search engines were used in this research. After going through the results and discarding the repeated ones, 2 reviewers began to inspect the studies independent of one another. In case of any disagreements between the reviewers over the inclusion of certain research material into the study, the final decision was made by the senior author. In the end, accepted research materials were used as needed in categorizing different types of spinal injuries. Results: Skeletal defects are among the most effective complications on the quality of life of patients. Bone deformities, osteoporosis, osteopenia, reduction of bone mass density, and spinal osteopathy such as scoliosis among such defects. Although the relative prevalence of spinal defects in neurofibromatosis type 1 is not clear, scoliosis can be considered the most common type of spinal deformity in this illness to the point it is present in 10 to 71% of cases. Thus, spine surgeons may face numerous common challenging conditions in NF1 patients like scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and dural ectasia. Conclusion: As NF1 distresses several organ systems, radiologic spine screening is important in patients with NF1 and patients are likely to profit most from a multidisciplinary treatment policy.