Interpedicular graft using a titanium mesh cage in a patient with lumbar scoliosis associated with a congenital butterfly vertebra

Abstract

A butterfly vertebra is a congenital anomaly often associated with a series of syndromic diseases and is often recognized incidentally without any presenting symptoms. The authors report the case of a 13-year-old girl with lumbar scoliosis and mild spondylolisthesis associated with a butterfly vertebra at L-6 causing radiculopathy. The L-5 and L-6 nerve roots were entrapped at the intervertebral foramina between L-5 and the butterfly vertebra (L-6) and between L-6 and S-1 in the concave side. To decompress and preserve the two nerve roots, correct the deformity, and obtain a solid bone fusion, surgery involving the thorough removal of the facet joints between L-5 and L-6 and between L-6 and S-1 in the concave side was performed, with a partial resection of the butterfly vertebra and the placement of a titanium mesh cage between the L-5 and S-1 pedicles dorsal to the nerve roots. Complete pain relief and correction of the deformity with solid bone fusion was obtained after a 2-year follow-up period.