Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Spinal Deformity

Patient Cases

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, restoring ability to sit straight and comfortably in a wheelchair
This 19-year-old male patient has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). He was having trouble sitting comfortably in his wheelchair because he had developed a progressive pelvic obliquity and scoliosis; his spine was curving and pushing him to the left.   Read more
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy. It is a gene-related disorder that makes muscles unable to produce a protein called dystrophin.
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When Spine Surgery for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is Recommended
  • If Dr. Bridwell believes that the patient’s spinal curve will get worse and cause other health problems: For DMD patients with scoliosis, curve progression is almost certain, particularly if the curve(s) is/are greater than 30º.
  • If the patient is young enough: As DMD patients get older and their muscles fail more, it’s more difficult for them to endure the surgery. Most patients are treated between the ages of 11 and 18.
How Dr. Bridwell Treats Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Posterior Spinal Fusion with Instrumentation: Dr. Bridwell will perform the surgery from the back of the spine; that’s called a posterior approach. He will correct the curve.
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