Indian Spine Journal · Published 2025-01-01 · Journal article · DOI 10.4103/isj.isj_70_25
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare, X-linked neuromuscular disorder characterized by the absence of functional dystrophin, resulting in progressive muscle degeneration and loss of ambulation (LoA) by early adolescence. The most common and functionally limiting musculoskeletal features of DMD are scoliosis and pelvic obliquity. These deformities progress rapidly within a year or two after LoA, causing a significant impact on respiratory and cardiac functions, sitting balance, and quality of life. Early medical management with steroids delays disease progression and deformity, allowing for treatment in the form of early bracing and a spinal fusion procedure to enhance sitting balance. This reduces discomfort and eases transfers for parents, thereby extending the patient’s lifespan and comfort. This review synthesizes current understanding of the natural history, pathophysiology, and management of spinal deformities in DMD and its variants.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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