Beneficial effects following microsurgical decompression in an adult with congenital thoraco-lumbar kyphoscoliosis with spina bifida aperta and myelomeningocele: an interesting case report

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2012 Aug;132(8):1085-7. doi: 10.1007/s00402-012-1517-4. Epub 2012 May 17.

Abstract

Study design: Case report.

Clinical question: To report successful surgical therapy for spinal canal stenosis in an adult patient with congenital thoraco-lumbar kyphoscoliosis with spina bifida aperta and myelomeningocele.

Methods: A 65-year-old woman with a history of congenital thoraco-lumbar kyphoscoliosis with spina bifida aperta and myelomeningocele presented with severe radicular pain and weakness in her left lower limb.

Results: The patient underwent microsurgical decompression at the level of L3/S1 on the left side. Postsurgery, the patient showed significant amount of pain relief and improvement in weakness in the left lower limb.

Conclusion: Surgery for spinal canal stenosis in patients with severe thoraco-lumbar scoliosis can be effective in relieving radicular pain, weakness and numbness, and while not curative can greatly improve the quality of life.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kyphosis / complications*
  • Leg / innervation
  • Lumbar Vertebrae
  • Meningomyelocele / complications*
  • Microsurgery
  • Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Neuralgia / surgery*
  • Scoliosis / complications*
  • Spina Bifida Cystica / complications*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae