Spinal Muscular Atrophy Spinal Deformity

Patient Cases

Spinal Muscular Atrophy - correction of a 127° curve to a 52° in a 7-year-old
This patient has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and she first came to Dr. Bridwell when she was 7 years old. Because of SMA, her spinal muscles had weakened and were no longer supporting her spine very well. She had a very severe curve: 127º.   Read more
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a type of motor neuron disease caused by a missing or mutated gene on chromosome 5 called SMN1.
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When Spine Surgery for Spinal Muscular Atrophy is Recommended
  • If Dr. Bridwell believes the patient’s spinal curve will get worse and cause other health problems
  • If the patient has poor spinal balance and alignment
  • If the patient is young enough: As SMA patients get older and their muscles fail more, it is more difficult for them to endure the surgery, particularly because of respiratory difficulties.
How Dr. Bridwell Treats Spinal Muscular Atrophy

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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