Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow in the nervous system and under the skin. (Tumors that grow on the nerve are called neurofibromas.) The are two distinct types of this disease:

• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) – The more common of the two, this causes spine deformities like scoliosis and tibial dysplasia
• Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) – This condition causes hearing and balance problems. It can affect spinal cord at a neurological level but generally causes no orthopedic symptoms.

There is no cure for neurofibromatosis, but surgery and careful monitoring can improve quality of life and manage symptoms. Learn more about NF1 in the article below.