Neuromuscular scoliosis
What is it?
Neuromuscular scoliosis is a type of sideways curvature of the spine which results from a lack of muscular control caused by a neurological or degenerative muscular condition. Neuromuscular scoliosis represents only a small segment of the total amount of scoliosis. However, the underlying disorders associated with this form of scoliosis often result in some of the more complex and extensive curves of the spine. It is caused by muscle weakness, paralysis or neurological issues related to an underlying condition, including:
- cerebral palsy
- muscular dystrophy
- paralysis
- polio
- benign or malignant musculoskeletal tumors
Symptoms
Neuromuscular scoliosis is diagnosed when there is the presence of a curve in the spine that measures greater than 10 degrees. In contrast to idiopathic scoliosis, in which the curve pattern is restricted to smaller segments of the spine, in neuromuscular scoliosis long, sweeping curves that involve the entire spine, including the sacrum are developed. Neuromuscular scoliosis is also much more likely to progress than those seen in idiopathic scoliosis.
Diagnosis
X-rays of the spine are key tools in the diagnosis of neuromuscular scoliosis.
Treatment
Wearing a special brace may help some patients with balance problems, but only spinal fusion surgery stops the progression of the curvature in the spine. Spinal surgeon place rods and bone graft along the vertebral column to straighten, fuse, and maintain the spinal curve correction. Timing of the surgery varies and may be dictated by the underlying disorder.