Spinal decompensation in neuromuscular disease.

STUDY

DESIGN

In this retrospective radiography study, we analyzed curve shape and direction in scoliosis secondary to neuromuscular disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if in different types of neuromuscular scoliosis a predominant curve pattern can be found and if similarities with idiopathic scoliosis exist.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To the authors' knowledge, systematic analysis of curve patterns in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis has not been performed in a group of this size and composition.

METHODS

Spinal full-length radiographs of 198 patients with neuromuscular scoliosis were analyzed for curve shape and direction. Patients were divided into 4 groups consisting of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, and spina bifida.

RESULTS

The results of this study show a predominance of right-sided thoracic and thoracolumbar curves, and left-sided lumbar curves, which differed significantly from an equal right-left distribution. Apical levels were respectively at T8, T12/L1 disc, and L2.

CONCLUSION

In neuromuscular scoliosis, curve patterns and apical levels are similar to what is seen in the most prevalent types of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.