The patterns of spinal deformity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

In a clinical and roentgenographic study of spinal deformities in sixty-two patients in the later stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, many patients had marked scoliosis and kyphosis, while others with hyperextended spines had comparatively little scoliosis. Based on an analysis of the data, it is suggested that the development of spinal deformity in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may progress in two ways: one leading to the early establishment of a position of extension and a maximum intrinsic stability with minor deformity, and the other leading to progressive deformity. It was concluded that management for these patients should be designed to guide the early straight spine toward the late extended pattern by attempting to prevent kyphosis and pelvic obliquity.