Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of neurological deficit following excision of spinal neurofibromas.
Methods: Retrospective case series, combined with contemporary neurological examination and outcome questionnaires.
Results: 46 patients (26 males, 20 females) with a mean age of 46 between the years of 1985 – 2005. The incidence of neurological deficit subsequent to nerve sectioning to remove the tumour was 28/46 (60.9%) in the acute period. In the long term this reduced to 28%.
Conclusions: Despite the sectioning of nerves during surgery motor or sensory deficit was surprisingly rare. It was mainly sensory and recovered with time. This is presumably due to neural plasticity and dermatomal overlap. These results provide useful information for surgeons to counsel their patients preoperatively.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Sue Woodward, Secreteriat, Britspine, Vale Clinic, Hensol Park, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY Wales.
