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. To help the spine heal in this new position, Dr. Bridwell will use appropriate spinal implants (rods, screws, etc.) to correct the spinal deformity and immobilize the spinal segments as they fuse and heal. Dr. Bridwell uses local bone graft and biologic proteins to enhance the fusion and make it much more likely that the spine will fuse correctly.

Please note: Dr. Bridwell does not take bone graft from the iliac crest of the hip; many other spine surgeons use iliac bone graft, which lengthens recovery time and increases the patient’s pain. Instead, Dr. Bridwell uses local bone graft from the spine. He also has a track record of using safe and effective biologic proteins, another advanced technique that improves the fusion success rate and avoids a lot of pain for the patient.

Multi-disciplinary Approach: Dr. Bridwell has worked closely with the Neuromuscular Division at St. Louis Children’s Hospital since 1984. Because of that partnership, Dr. Bridwell’s DMD patients get the full benefits of having a multi-disciplinary team. Pulmonary, orthotics, cardiology, and wheelchair seating specialists will work with the patient.

Custom-molded Brace: Dr. Bridwell will often suggest that CP patients wear a brace for about one year as the spine heals. The day after surgery, an orthotist (a specialist who makes braces) at Barnes-Jewish Hospital will custom mold a two-piece brace. The patient will wear the brace whenever out of bed.

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