Gorham's disease of the spine.
BACKGROUND
Gorham's disease of the spine is very rare and usually associated with poor prognosis. Till date very few cases have been reported in the literature. It is characterized by osseous invasion by angiomatous vascular mass without skip areas, eventually causing lysis of affected bone. Morbidity and mortality are high in those with spinal and/or visceral involvement. Neurological complications increase the mortality to 33% whereas with chylothorax, mortality increases to more than 50%.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical course and the challenges in planning and implementing effective rehabilitation services for management of patients with Gorham's disease of the spine.


METHODS
We report two patients with Gorham's disease who had neurological deficits secondary to spinal cord involvement, and their rehabilitation perspectives.


RESULTS
Both patients achieved satisfactory ambulation and functional outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple revision surgeries may be required to ensure spinal stability. When working with these patients, one must remain vigilant about spinal stability as well as about possible serious pulmonary complications, and be prepared to make appropriate management decisions when necessary.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. apurvaa23@gmail.com
Apurba
A
Barman
Rohit
R
Bhide
Anand
A
Viswanathan
Jacob
J
George
Raji
R
Thomas
George
G
Tharion
D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010014:Osteolysis; D010015:Osteolysis, Essential / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D055815:Young Adult