Purpose of the study: We report a case of type 1 neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease) of the lower cervical spine in a 13-year-old girl.
Case report: There was no neurological deficit. Plain films showed dysplastic 82 degrees kyphosis centered on the C4-C5 disc. Surgical treatment consisted in anterior multilevel interbody grafting and plate osteosynthesis combined with posterior arthrodesis. Good bone fusion was obtained with acceptable cervical mobility. The residual cervical kyphosis was 18 degrees.
Discussion: An evaluation of the cervical spine should be proposed for patients with neurofibromatosis even if there is no thoracic scoliosis. Severe cervical deformities can lead to serious neurological complications. Circumferential arthrodesis appears to provide optimum results.