Vertebral scalloping in neurofibromatosis type 1: a quantitative approach.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate quantitative differences in vertebral scalloping between children who have scoliosis with and without neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).


METHODS
A retrospective study.


METHODS
A university-affiliated children's hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-seven children with scoliosis, 13 of whom had NF1 and 14 of whom did not.


METHODS
Existing radiographs of the lumbar vertebrae were used to measure and compare the degree of vertebral scalloping.


METHODS
The distribution of posterior scalloping ratios in the 2 groups and the most extreme ratio in each subject in each group were compared.


RESULTS
Scalloping ratios from the children with NF1 were not normally distributed: 31% had ratios greater than 1.20. Scalloping ratios from the non-NF1 children were normally distributed, with a mean ratio (and standard deviation) of 1.13 (0.03). The distribution between the 2 groups was significantly different (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In children who have scoliosis but no NF1 there was a range of mild scalloping whereas those with NF1 has severe scalloping. Further studies are needed to determine the possible role of vertebral scalloping in scoliosis severity and progression in children who have NF1.
Kwok
Edmund S H
ES
Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Sawatzky
Bonita
B
Birch
Patricia
P
Friedman
Jan M
JM
Tredwell
Stephen J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*