Adult Consequences of Neurofibromatosis Patients who had Spinal Fusion

Twenty neurofibromatosis patients who had spinal fusion were followed at least until 20 years of age. There were 6 males and 14 females. The average age at first operation was 13.5 years and average follow up was 25 years. The scoliosis measured 68 degrees before operation, 40 degrees after operation, and 50 degrees at final follow up. Of the 8 patients with kyphosis, the kyphosis measured 80 degrees, 70 degrees, and 105 degrees respectively. Thirty percent of our patients complained of pain. Most of the patients who complained of back pain were over 30 years of age and were employed. As for marital status, 90% of the patients were not married. Four patients died due to malignant degeneration, cor pulmonale, blood loss at operation. These results suggest that patients with neurofibromatosis still had problems even after spinal operation.