Marfan scoliosis or Marfan Syndrome scoliosis is a type of abnormal curvature within the spine as a result of Marfan Syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic mutation within the chromosomes responsible for collagen cross-linking. Most patients who suffer from Marfan scoliosis and thus Marfan Syndrome, are tall and lanky with very long, gangly arms and legs. These patients suffer from a spinal curvature that is highly progressive and almost always require surgery, as opposed to bracing or other non-invasive measures. The presence of Marfan Scoliosis is due to a highly increased laxity of ligaments throughout the body, as well as the spine. Marfan scoliosis patients also suffer from enlarged spinal nerves, that will often erode into the bones of the vertebrae. This issue makes spinal instrumentation very difficult to perform and will often require the care of a highly experienced spinal surgeon like Dr. Widmann, especially when dealing with children. While instrumentation surgery is possible, it is far more likely that patient’s suffering from Marfan scoliosis will require a long spinal fusion surgery, often a last resort, again, especially when dealing with children.
