Progressive spastic paraplegia: the combination of Scheuermann's disease, a short-segmented kyphosis and dysplastic thoracic spinous processes.
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a rare case of paraplegia in a patient with Scheuermann's disease and dysplastic thoracic spinous processes.


METHODS
Spinal Cord Injury Center, Orthopaedic University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.


METHODS
The authors report on a 15-year-old boy with progressive incomplete spastic paraplegia presenting segmental dysplastic thoracic spinous processes and Scheuermann's disease. The magnetic resonance imaging showed a kyphotic angulation at T 5/6 and signs of myelopathy. Hypoplastic thoracic processes and hypoplastic paraspinal muscles in the upper thoracic spine were observed intraoperatively. In this case, dorsoventral stabilization from T 4-7 was performed and the neurological outcome improved at follow-up (6 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Paraplegia can be accelerated in patients with Scheuermann's disease, severe kyphotic angulation and dysplastic posterior elements. After operative treatment, neurological recovery and a normal walking pattern were shown.
Putz
C
C
Department of Spine Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury Center, Orthopaedic University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. cornelia.putz@ok.uni-heidelberg.de
Stierle
I
I
Grieser
T
T
Mohr
G
G
Gerner
H J
HJ
Fürstenberg
C H
CH
Wiedenhöfer
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012544:Scheuermann Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery