Workshop report
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Funded Workshop on Management of Scoliosis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 24 January 2005, London, UK

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmd.2006.01.004Get rights and content

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Literature review

The literature on this subject consists mainly of retrospective cohort studies, and care is required with their interpretation in the light of the developments in surgical techniques over the years, in particular improvement in the instrumentation and reduction in operating time and peri-operative blood loss. Changes in the natural history of DMD due to improvements in management including the treatment of respiratory and cardiac insufficiency, the use of callipers, and the use of

Is spinal surgery viable in DMD?

There are many years of experience and published case series confirming that spinal surgery is a safe and effective way to manage progressive scoliosis in DMD when it is carried out in experienced centres with multidisciplinary support. Mortality and complication rates in experienced centres and in patients managed by multidisciplinary teams are low and satisfaction levels high.

What is the aim of spinal surgery in DMD?

The primary aim of spinal surgery in DMD is to correct scoliosis and prevent further progression of spinal deformity.

Acknowledgements

This workshop was made possible by the generous contribution of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The authors wish to thank all the colleagues, the patient and charity representative for their contribution to this workshop and to the preparation of this report.

List of participants:

  • 1.

    Peter Baxter, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, Sheffield

  • 2.

    Rob Bullock, Consultant Anesthesist, Newcastle

  • 3.

    Kate Bushby, Consultant Geneticists, Newcastle

  • 4.

    Nicky Courtier, Pediatric

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