Myelopathy associated with melorheostosis: a case report

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005 Jul;86(7):1495-7. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2004.09.022.

Abstract

A man in his mid thirties presented with lower-extremity weakness and spasticity because of a myelopathy caused by a rare disorder of bone known as melorheostosis. The primary pathology involved was compression of the cord at the cervicothoracic levels by dystrophic osseous formation within the vertebral bodies. Based on a review of existing literature, it was evident that the spine is an uncommon location to find melorheostosis, making this disease entity a unique cause of myelopathy. The patient's progress was closely observed during his inpatient rehabilitation program, after he underwent spinal decompression surgery. Starting from the level of complete paralysis, he was able to regain functional strength in his legs by the end of his 2-month course. Despite the lack of reported outcomes in cases of myelopathy associated with melorheostosis, our report describes a favorable prognosis with good recovery of both strength and function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Melorheostosis / complications*
  • Melorheostosis / physiopathology
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology*
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology*
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / therapy