Neuromuscular scoliosis

Abstract

Scoliosis is a common deformity in many types of neuromuscular disease. Severe spinal curvature can cause difficulty in sitting. Conservative and surgical treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis differs from idiopathic scoliosis, being more complex and with a higher complications rate. Non-surgical measures rarely fully control progressive scoliosis, but aim to prevent spinal deformities secondary to muscular hypotonia or contracture. Twenty-four hour bracing should be adjusted throughout growth, and may induce functional impairment and loss of independence. Corrective surgery requires multidisciplinary management and perioperative screening. Pelvic obliquity is commonly associated with neuromuscular scoliosis, making sitting difficult: correction needs to be considered during surgical planning. The goal of surgical correction is to obtain and maintain a well-balanced spine above a well-positioned pelvis. Preoperative multidisciplinary assessment enables potential problems of terrain to be anticipated. Respiratory function investigation will guide possible non-invasive perioperative ventilation. Nutritional and psychosocial assessment should also be incorporated in this preparation, as should overall postoperative care. Implementing this overall strategic planning can achieve a good surgical and functional result in the vast majority of cases.