Development of a guideline for orthopaedic management in the care of children and young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the UK National Health Service

Abstract

People living with the rare, genetic condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy have particular orthopaedic care needs that are not universally understood or implemented at sites across the UK, putting them at risk of not receiving the correct treatment. They may require orthopaedic management and intervention for contractures caused by their muscle weakness. Importantly, they are also at a high risk of fractures due to increased bone fragility as part of the nature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy but also resulting from reduced weight-bearing and from the long-term use of corticosteroids as standard of care. In addition, progressive skeletal muscle weakness increases the risk of falls that may cause fractures. DMD Care UK's orthopaedic working group has developed a guideline by consensus to inform all those involved in the orthopaedic management of people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy about the care needs and imperatives. This covers children and adults and focuses on fracture management and elective orthopaedic procedures. The guideline has been endorsed by the British Society for Children's Orthopaedic Surgery.

Keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; elective surgery; fracture management; guidelines.

Figure 1.

Summary for orthopaedic management in DMD. DMD: Duchenne muscular dystrophy.