Spinal Anomalies in Marfans Syndrome

Description: - scoliosis occurs in the majority of patients w/ Marfan's syndrome, (over 60%) but curvatures significant enough to require treatment occur in only 20% of pts; - risk of progression: - scoliosis often occurs before age of 10 & may progress rapidly; - progression is more likely w/ curves greater than 20 deg in growing patients, and is more likely w/ curves more than 30-40 deg in adults; - associated conditions: - high-grade spondylolisthesis is additional spinal deformity that reportedly occurs with this syndrome. - dural ectasia and anterior myelomeningocele may be present & are thought to be caused by CSF pulsations against weakened dura; Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics