Management of scoliosis in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy: A literature review

Issue title: Advances in Neuromuscular Diseases

Guest editors: Dennis J. Matthews

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Garg, Sumeet

Affiliations: Children's Hospital Colorado, 13123 E 16th Ave, B060, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Tel.: +1 720 777 3253; Fax: +1 720 777 7268; E-mail: sumeet.garg@childrenscolorado.org

Abstract: Scoliosis occurs in nearly all non-ambulatory children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Non-operative treatments have not been shown to be effective at preventing progression of scoliosis. Progressive scoliosis can impact the ability of patients to sit comfortably, be cosmetically unappealing, and in severe cases exacerbate pulmonary disease. The main goal of operative treatment is to improve sitting balance and prevent progression of scoliosis. Complication rates are high and there is little data on effect of operative treatment on quality of life in children with SMA and DMD. Comprehensive multi-disciplinary pre-operative evaluations are vital to reduce the risks of operative treatment.

Keywords: Muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, scoliosis, surgery

DOI: 10.3233/PRM-160358

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 23-29, 2016