Posterior correction and fusion for severe cervical kyphosis in a patient with myotonic dystrophy: a case report

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006 Sep 15;31(20):E767-9. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000240208.77875.34.

Abstract

Study design: A case report.

Objective: To report the first myotonic dystrophy case in which cervical kyphosis had been surgically corrected.

Summary of background data: Myotonic dystrophy is an autosomal dominant disease that shows myotonia, progressive muscle atrophy, and other various symptoms. Instability of the neck is expected to cause disorders of the cervical spine; however, there are no detailed reports on deformity of cervical spine associated with this disease.

Methods: A 43-year-old man with cervical kyphosis due to myotonic dystrophy had undergone an occiput-T2 fusion with autogenous iliac bone using spinal instrumentation.

Results: The activity of daily life of the patient had improved markedly, and the good results continued to be preserved for 5 years. There were not any major perioperative complications.

Conclusions: Surgical correction of cervical spine is not necessarily a contraindication for myotonic dystrophy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / pathology
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / surgery*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Kyphosis / etiology
  • Kyphosis / pathology
  • Kyphosis / surgery*
  • Male
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / complications
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / pathology
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / surgery*
  • Occipital Bone / pathology
  • Occipital Bone / surgery*
  • Spinal Fusion / instrumentation
  • Spinal Fusion / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome