Grade 4 spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebra associated with dural ectasia in neurofibromatosis

Modi HN, Srinivasalu S, Suh SW, Yang JH
Correspondence: Dr Seung Woo Suh, spine@korea.ac.kr

ABSTRACT
Spondylolisthesis associated with neurofibromatosis is rare, and only 12 cases have been reported so far. However, only one report of grade 4 spondylolisthesis with neurofibromatosis has been reported in the literature. A 15-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis was admitted for back pain and neurological claudication. Radiograph showed grade 4 spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebra with scalloping of the L4–L5 vertebrae. L4–L5 laminectomy, reduction, L3–S1 posterior instrumentation and fusion were performed. The reduction of the spondylisthesis was done entirely from the posterior approach using pedicle screws. Radiography at four months showed a broken S1 screw with a loss of reduction. The patient was re-operated on, to provide additional stability with pelvic fixation. He was pain-free with a good fusion at the two-year follow-up. Adequate posterior stabilisation with fusion gives good results in grade 4 spondylolisthesis associated with neurofibromatosis and dural ectasia.

Keywords: dural ectasia, grade 4 spondylolisthesis, neurofibromatosis, spondylolisthesis, vertebral scalloping
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(8): e287-e292