Orthopaedic manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or von Recklinghausen disease is one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic diseases. It is characterized by ‘café-au-lait’ spots and multiple tumors starting from the central and peripheric nervous system. The diagnosis is determined on two out of seven criteria: i) A total of 6 or more light brown spots larger than 5 mm in diameter (pre-puberty) or 15 mm in diameter (post-puberty); ii) a total of 2 or more neurofibromas or one plexiform neurofibroma; iii) axillary or inguinal freckling; iv) optic glioma; v) a total of 2 or more Lisch nodules; vi) bone abnormalities: tibia pseudarthrosis or dysplasia of the sphenoid wing; and vii) a relative of first degree having an NF1 diagnosis. A total of ~50% of patients have significant musculoskeletal manifestation, with scoliosis and congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia most common. Management of the orthopaedic manifestations of NF1 is often difficult. Due to NF1 influencing multiple organ systems, patients are likely to benefit most from a multidisciplinary treatment strategy.

Introduction

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) was first described in the 13th century in the literature by Madigan, Schaw and Masello in ‘Neurofibromatosis in the 13th century and report of NF-like case-Monstrorum History’, but there are descriptions of individuals presumed of having neurofibromatosis, recovered in manuscripts from 1,000 B.C. However, only in 1882 was it recognized by the German pathologist Freidrich von Recklinghausen as a distinct disorder and he initiated the term ‘neurofibroma’, as he observed the appearance of tumors from the sheath of the peripheral nerve (1-5). NF1 is a multisystem, autosomal dominant genetically transmitted disease, also known as von Recklinghausen disease, which influences the cell growth of neuronal tissues. NF1 is an inherited disorder relatively common, family history being present in half of the cases, the rest developing a new genetic mutation, and it affects 1 in 2,500-3,000 births worldwide, regardless of sex and ethnicity (6-12).

Neurofibromin 1, the gene of NF1, was first discovered in 1990 located on chromosome 17, band q11.2 and is a large gene which codes the protein neurofibromin, with the highest rates of spontaneous mutations in the entire human genome (2,3,5,13-18). Neurofibromin is omnipresent during development in human tissue and later is identified exclusively in the nervous system, neurons, Schwann and glial cells in high concentrations (1,3,15,19). NF1 genetic testing is reserved for making reproductive decisions or for unusual forms of disease, the diagnosis finally being made based on clinical criteria (4,20).

The patients with clinical manifestations can be diagnosed by performing a careful examination. The signs may be dermatologic/cutaneous: café-au-lait spots/macules (CALM), axillary freckling; ocular: Lisch nodules, optic nerve glioma; endocrine: precocious/delayed puberty; neurologic: brain tumors, epilepsy, headache, macrocephaly, mental retardation, learning disabilities; cardiovascular: vascular defects, hypertension; orthopaedic: pseudarthrosis, scoliosis, pectus excavatum, genu valgum/varum. Each category can have variable severity (3,18,21). For the diagnosis of NF1, 7 cardinal diagnostic criteria (Table I) have been delineated, taking into consideration the most common cutaneous, neurologic, ocular and skeletal manifestations with the addition of the genetic component, and at least 2 of the listed features. The diagnostic criteria were defined in 1988 during the Neurofibromatosis Conference Statement of the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference, in Bethesda, MD, USA (1,3,12,18,20). Diagnosis can be delayed due to signs/symptoms that appear at variable ages and due to the patient having some dermatologic features but without meeting enough diagnostic criteria (1,3).

Table I.

Diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1.

Characteristics	Criteria
1. Six or more café-au-lait macules	5 mm in diameter prepubertal 15 mm in diameter postpubertal
2. Two or more neurofibromas or one plexiform neurofibroma	Of any type
3. Freckling	Axillary
	Inguinal (Crowe sign)
4. Optic nerve glioma	-
5. Two or more Lisch nodules (iris hamartomas)	Identified by an ophthalmologist through slit-lamp examination
6. A bone lesion	Sphenoid wing dysplasia
	Typical long bone abnormalities -
	Pseudarthrosis/thinning of cortex
7. A first-degree relative with NF1	Parent
	Sibling
	Offspring

Café-au-lait spots are the most common and among the silent features of NF1. They are present in 99% of patients at birth or appear in the first two years of life, with multiple spots being very suggestive for NF1. The spots are flat brownish macules, uniform colored from tan to dark brown, 10-100 mm in diameter, ovoid shape, with well-defined borders. These lesions tend to darken with sun exposure, lighten with age and have non-malignant potential (12,17,22,23). The spots with the same characteristics but smaller in diameter are named freckles or ephelides and are localized inguinal or, more common, in axillary zones (Crowe sign), in almost 80% of the children starting at 3-5 years old, following the appearance of café-au-lait spots (3,4,12,18). Neurofibromas are benign tumors composed by neoplastic Schwann cells, mast cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, located along the nerves, with an accelerated proliferation during puberty and pregnancy. The types of neurofibromas are: cutaneous (superficial); subcutaneous (deeper); nodular plexiform; and diffuse plexiform neurofibromas that penetrate deep into bones, muscle and viscera. They usually become apparent after puberty and increase in size and number continuously during adulthood and they should be differentiated from other skin lesions (3-5,12,24,25). In addition to neurofibromas, neurofibromatosis may be associated with other tumors of the central nervous system including glioma of the optic nerve, hamartoma of the iris, meningioma, and glioblastoma (4,12). Neurofibrosarcomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), are a severe complication with an elusive nature and high rate of recurrence (3,5,26).

The cardiovascular abnormalities developed in NF1 include congenital heart disease; vasculopathy (aortic coarctation), renal and cerebral artery stenosis, arteriovenous malformations; as well as, pulmonary hypertension which may be a rare, but formidable complication of NF1 (4,5,27). NF1 patients often present with hypertension due to renal artery stenosis or in association with pheochromocytoma or paragangliomas (28). The neurological manifestations associated with the disease are macrocephaly without hydrocephalus, mild epilepsy, cognitive problems with a low average IQ, and learning difficulties. Behavioral problems include impaired socialization, sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression (4,5,12). Other associated autoimmune diseases have been previously described as uncommon occurrences, such as lichen sclerosus or vitiligo (29-34).

Case report

A 16 year-old boy living in a rural area was admitted on July 2016 to the clinical Department of Neuropsychomotor Rehabilitation, ‘Sf.Ioan’ Clinical Hospital for Children (Galati, Romania) for clinico-functional evaluation and specific treatment. The family history revealed the mother and two maternal uncles with NF1 skin markers which were uninvestigated and undiagnosed, as well as a sister and a brother diagnosed with NF1. From his personal history it was recorded that the patient had undergone 3 febrile seizures until the age of 3 for which he had not received treatment, and café-au-lait spots that appeared after the age of 2. At the age of 5 years the patient was hospitalized with the diagnosis of NF1-associated congenital pseudarthrosis in both left leg bones and the surgical treatment of pseudarthrosis, osteosynthesis with Steinmann brooch and Ilizarov external fixative implant (removed after one year) were performed. At the age of 7 years the patient received surgical treatment for pseudarthrosis again by Phemister procedure. Fig. 1 reveals the anterior and the lateral view of the radiological images of the left leg of the patient obtained at age of 10, that reveal an old fracture 1/3 lower of the left tibial shaft strengthened by osteosynthesis, lack of bone lower extremity left fibula, and intense changes in osteoporosis in both left leg bones.

Figure 1.

(A) Anterior and (B) lateral view of the radiological images of the left leg.

From the clinical examination the following were observed: i) a weight of 49 kg and a height of 154 cm; ii) autonomous walking, limping on the left; iii) spinal deviation in the frontal plane to the right (dorsal) and to the left (lumbar); iv) humeral imbalance, with the left shoulder ascended; v) the waist triangle erased on the left (Fig. 2A); vi) sternal depression in the lower 1/3 and flared ribs (Fig. 2B); vii) normal spine mobility; viii) multiple café-au-lait spots (over 6 in number), the largest on the left flank, with a diameter of 3.5/3 cm (Fig. 3A); iv) axillary freckles (Fig. 3B); x) two surgical scars present on the left pretibial area, one measuring 13 cm, and the other 4 cm, respectively; xi) left genum valgum; xii) lower limb inequality, left leg shorter by 5 cm; xiii) left hypotrophy on the leg (3 cm) and on the thigh (2 cm) (Fig. 4); xiv) macrocephaly; xv) language disorder; and xvi) mild intellectual deficit.

Figure 2.

Clinical aspect of the thorax. (A) Posterior view and (B) anterior view.

Figure 3.

(A) Largest café-au-lait spot observed on the left flank, and (B) axillary freckles.

Figure 4.

Clinical aspect of the both legs.

Discussion

NF1 is a multisystem, autosomal dominant genetically transmitted disease, which influences the cell growth of neuronal tissues. NF1 is an inherited disorder relatively common, with family history being present in half of the cases, while the remaining cases develop a new genetic mutation, and it influences 1 in 2,500-3,000 births worldwide (6-12). The patients with clinical manifestations can be diagnosed by performing a careful examination. The signs may be cutaneous, ocular, endocrine, neurologic, cardiovascular, and orthopaedic: pseudarthrosis, scoliosis, pectus excavatum, genu valgum/varum (3,18,21).

The skeletal manifestations of von Recklinghausen disease (NF1) can be generalized, most commonly, and with mild clinical implications such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, or short stature; and can also be focal, less commonly, with significant morbidity, such as scoliosis, long bone dysplasia, and sphenoid wing dysplasia. The most frequent bones manifestations of patients with NF1 are listed in Table II.

Table II.

Frequent bone manifestations of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Bone manifestations	Types
Bone deformities	Long bone dysplasia
	Congenital bone bowing
	Pseudarthrosis
	Genu varum/algum
	Sphenoid wing dysplasia
	Scoliosis
	Kyphoscoliosis
	Spondylolisthesis
	Cervical spine disorders
	Abnormalities of the rib cage
	Macrocephaly
	Short stature
Bone metabolism disorders	Osteopenia
	Osteoporosis
	Impaired bone healing
	Hypophosphatic rickets

Only 2-4% of patients with NF1 develop long bone dysplasia, tibia being more often involved than other long bones, which are less affected (5,35-37). Congenital tibial dysplasia, also known as congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT), is unusual in the general population, but is more common in individuals with NF1 (37-39). CPT present in NF1 is described as the antero-lateral bowing of tibia that appear at birth or in the first year of life (40,41). Histopathological analysis of the resected tissue of the pseudarthrosis revealed a hard whitish fibrous tissue, surrounded by fatty lobules. Specifically between the bone ends, thick bands of dense fibrous tissue intervene, that prevent the union and constitute a true focus of pseudarthrosis, which is not a neurofibroma, but an unspecified cell fibrous overgrowth (36,42). Clinically, there is a varus with anterior bowing mid-distal third of the leg, with a thin, sclerotic and fragile bone, producing a spontaneous fracture of tibia or both leg bones intrauterine, perinatally or in the first years of life due to functional stress or microtrauma (5,43). Once the fracture has occurred, the absence of union through the formation of the callus is characteristic. Therefore, this usually progresses to pseudarthrosis when a spontaneous fracture occurs in children under 4 years of age, with tibial bowing and not exhibiting adequate bony callus with treatment (44). Due to the rigid immobilization during treatment, stiffness of the ankle is frequently observed (44,45). The gait and the muscular strength of the patients are altered. Early appearance followed by early surgical treatment, frequently requiring fixation of the ankle, leads to an abnormal gait (46,47). The deformity with anterior bowing is usual, as well as its progressive increase with the consequent shortening of the posterior myotendinous structures of the leg and ankle (44,48).

Several classifications have been proposed, considering the morphology of the lesion, but with limited prognostic value due to the changes that arise during the disease (49,50). The most determining factor is the moment when the fracture appears: after 4 years of age suggests a more benign behavior, while before 4 years of age entails a more rebellious evolution (44,45,48,51). The management of congenital dysplasia of the tibia associated with NF1 may be frustrating, with frequent and severe complications, fractures and refractures, common after different treatments. Surgical treatment performed without adequate biomechanical criteria does not appear to be particularly successful (45,46,51-53). A non-surgical method consists of bracing with an ankle-foot or knee-ankle-foot orthosis, with the first method used until weight bearing begins, switching after that to a knee-ankle-foot method. Bracing is used to prevent fractures in dysplastic bones and if the fracture occurs to delay surgical intervention (3,53). The objective of surgical treatment is to maximize the union through the resection head, following the specific methods: external fixation (Ilizarov technique), bone grafting with intramedullary fixation, and free vascularized fibular grafting. When multiple attempts have failed, and with the leg remaining extremely short, amputation may be the best solution (3,5,50,53). Intramedullary fixation with the iliac bone, while leaving the device in place, even after healing of the fracture, is considered the first line treatment since it is a relatively easy procedure, provides stable fixation, has minimal postoperative complications and reduces the risk of refracture, compared with alternative procedures (3,54). The most severe complications are residual angular deformity, limb length inequality, refracture, ankle stiffness and chronic pain (53).

The Ilizarov external fixative implant provides numerous advantages in the treatment of congenital dysplasia of the tibia and its associated problems. This method allows the surgeon to manage limb dismetria, angular deformity, proximal migration and nonunion of the fibula, ankle valgus and foot contractures (55). Refractures are extremely common, although this method initially produces a high binding rate. Another disadvantage of the Ilizarov method is the external device, which is not well tolerated by pediatric patients. The multiple complications with this procedure include dorsiflexion contracture of the ankle with calcaneo-valgus deformity, joint stiffness, cystic bone lesions, nail infections, cartilage necrosis, injury to a nerve and possible appearance of compartment syndromes (56).

The scoliosis associated with NF1 can be dystrophic, less common and more severe, with rapid progression, and non-dystrophic, with the same rate and a similar clinical appearance, but an earlier onset and poorer prognosis. Early scoliosis screening is required for patients with neurofibromatosis. After diagnosis all individuals should be MRI/CT scan-evaluated to assess the deformity and the dystrophic changes, if present, and to detect the intra/extraspinal neoplasia (3,57). Dystrophic scoliosis leads to severe curves, 4-6 sharply angulated vertebra, accompanied by osseous abnormalities (3,5,58). The management of nondystrophic scoliosis depends on the degree of curvature. For curves <20˚ the observation is enough, for curves between 20-40˚ or for documented progression, bracing is recommended, for >40˚ posterior fusion is recommended, and finally for curves >90˚ anterior-posterior fusion is recommended (3,59). In the early forms of the disease, other pathologies in differential diagnosis such as multiple symmetrical lipomatosis or diabetes and its comorbidities, may also be considered (60,61).

In conclusion, NF1 (von Recklinghausen disease) influences multiple organs and the diagnosis could be made clinically, based on careful multidisciplinary examination. While certain characteristics are present at birth, others are age-related, and all of them require periodical monitoring. Other examinations (histopathologic, radiological, MRI, ophthalmologic and neurologic) are important for tracking the complications and the evolution of this disorder. The bones are affected more often in NF1, having an increased morbidity and even profound invalidism. A careful strategy for the management of musculoskeletal disabilities may improve the quality of life of patients with this disorder.

In the present study, the case of a 16 year-old male living in a rural area was presented, who at 5 years of age was diagnosed with NF1-associated congenital pseudarthrosis in both left leg bones and received the surgical treatment for pseudarthrosis, osteosynthesis with Steinmann brooch and Ilizarov external fixative implant. At the age of 7 years the patient received surgical treatment again for pseudarthrosis by Phemister procedure.

The patients with NF1 develop multiple complications, since it affects multiple systems and benefit most from a multidisciplinary strategy. If the musculoskeletal disabilities are carefully managed, the quality of life in individuals with NF1 can be improved.

The case presented was associated with frequent complications including pseudarthrosis of both bones of the leg, kyphoscoliosis, chest deformities, macrocephaly, language disorder and mild intellectual deficit. Tibial dysplasia with pseudarthrosis is a challenging complication, since the patient, after all the surgical interventions, still has a marked functional disability.

Despite advances of continuous research for the diagnosis and monitoring of NF1, there is no medical treatment available for it. Medical care should be focused on genetic counseling and the early detection of complications.

Funding Statement

Funding: The present work was supported by the ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, Romania, through the research center, Multidisciplinary Integrated Center of Dermatological Interface Research MIC-DIR [Centrul Integrat Multidisciplinar de Cercetare de Interfata Dermatologica (CIM-CID)].

Availability of data and materials

The information generated and analyzed during the current study is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Authors' contributions

FN and ALT were major contributors in writing the manuscript. FN, DSR, EN, ALT, AVB, MCV, SF and LB were involved in all the stages of the study. DSR, AlN, AVB, VC, AL, LCN and EN contributed to the conception and design of the work, as well as the revision of the study. AVB, AuN, VC, LCN, EDP, SF and LB helped analyze the data for the work. AVB, MCV, LA and EDP revised it for important intellectual content. ALT and AlN approved the final version to be published. FN and AVB confirm the authenticity of all the raw data. All authors have participated equally and have equal rights to this study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children ‘Sf. Ioan’ (Glati, Romania), with the approval no. 2774, from 18.02.2021. The guardians of the patient provided written informed consent.

Patient consent for publication

The guardians of the patient provided consent for publication and it is included in the medical chart of the patient.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.